PHOTOS: MOLLY MALDOVAN | With a new executive director on board, new stages, and numerous musical debuts, the French Quarter Festival entered a new era this past weekend under gorgeous blue skies. An estimated 700,000 people experienced the event, which is slightly less than last year’s record setting attendance.
Aaron Neville was the biggest name to make his first appearance at the festival, but the big acts are only part of the attraction. The styles of music presented at the French Quarter Festival represent the length and breadth of Louisiana talent encompassing virtually every genre with musicians across the age spectrum.
Latasha Covington (pictured at top) is a relative newcomer on the scene. She tore it up on the washboard with veteran Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes (pictured above) and his band, the Sunspots. Later in the day she taught her style to another generation on the Kids stage.
Horn players were in abundance as one would expect at festival in New Orleans. But they weren’t all playing traditional jazz. “Big” Sam Williams (pictured above) played funky rock and danced with his band the Funky Nation and Shamarr Allen (pictured below) tore it up on vocals and his special “pocket” trumpet.
Brazilian music was well represented with Chegadão. Brent Rose played flute and Tedo Oliveira played a handmade Brazilian percussion rig.
Otra got the crowd dancing with their unique take on Cuban sounds. Led by bassist Sam Price, the group featured Brad Walker on tenor sax. He’s on break from touring with Sturgill Simpson. Billy Franklin (pictured below) was on guitar along with Omar Ramirez from Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes on trumpet, Rik Fletcher on keys, Eduardo Tozzatto on timbales, and Michael Skinkus on congas.
In the world of rock ‘n’ roll and the blues, Dave Malone from Raw Oyster Cult traded licks with Papa Mali and Walter “Wolfman” Washington demonstrated the prowess of a septuagenarian on guitar. Irma Thomas was her effervescent self.
For the younger set, Tank and the Bangas was a highlight. Tarriona “Tank” Ball is a ball of energy on stage. Our photographer Molly Maldovan commented on the photographic potential of her highly expressive face.
Brass bands were well represented as well, from the traditional style of the Audacity Brass Band to the hip hop infused sounds of the Original Pinettes. Their trumpeter, Veronique Dorsey (pictured below) really blew up a wall of sound.
The crowd is often part of the entertainment and people-watching is part of the charm of the French Quarter Festival. Here are some young baby dolls cutting up while James Andrews, the Satchmo of the Ghetto, does his thing with his ace band.
And finally, Abigail Cosio leading her band, Bon Bon Vivant.
To see more of Molly’s photographs, head here.
