Favorite Fairgrounds Sets Second Weekend

[funkkjunkie]

Second Friday: Michael Franti and Spearhead: Wow. His positive energy just filled Congo Square. Everyone Deserves Music. YYR.

Second Saturday: A wonderful day, and my last, at the FG.

Ruthie Foster: What a wonderful thing to see folks up and dancing without anyone even cajoling them into it. Traveling Shoes-one of my fave songs by her was even better with her new all woman band. TexasFred and I rejoiced together on the front rail until they ran us off that the jazzfest gods listened and we got to have Ruthie at fest. AFter that set, I"m thinking they will have her back! This was a jazzfest moment for me.

War Chief Juan and Young Fire: My favorite young injun with his own set at the FG! And he was on fiyah!

James Andrews and the Crescent City Allstars: I saw this set last year and it was just ok. This year I stayed for it because my bum knee kept me from roaming too much and what a wonderful way to end my fest! Secondliners on stage, along with James' brother, Troy sitting in.

[ibjamn]

Ruthie Foster: What a wonderful thing to see folks up and dancing without anyone even cajoling them into it. Traveling Shoes-one of my fave songs by her was even better with her new all woman band. TexasFred and I rejoiced together on the front rail until they ran us off that the jazzfest gods listened and we got to have Ruthie at fest. AFter that set, I"m thinking they will have her back! This was a jazzfest moment for me..

Ruthie was my very favorite set this year, hands down. She was amazing & I loved her band!

[mdfest]

I really liked the Tuba Woodshed with Kirk and Perrine.

I started bringing chairs last year, and have to say im thinking its not enhancing my fest experience. I find myself tied to a stage. I used to roam much more freely, and see bits of a lot more shows.

Next year, ill be like the infantry- traveling light and fast.

[ibjamn]

I really liked the Tuba Woodshed with Kirk and Perrine.


I wanted to like that show, but from where we were sitting, we could barely hear the tubas...

[stynger]

The Clifton Chennier tribute was the killer set for me 2nd weekend. I just wish Sunpie, CJ, and Buckwheat had all been playing together at the end. Sonny kicked ass as well.

James Andrews was a close second. Great way to end up the fest for me. Also met funkkjunkie there too. Cool.

[funkkjunkie]

Good to meet you stynger! That James Andrews set gave me the biggest smile. He was soooo good about sharing the stage with everyone up there.

[Lester_leaps_in]

Ruthie - No doubt in my mind. She is truly phenomenal.

[sleepymonk]

Stevie Wonder and John Boutte!

[csoul]

Ruthie was my very favorite set this year, hands down. She was amazing & I loved her band!

Ruthie, by far, was our our favorite fairground show. I just kept thinking "Where has she been all my life???" After her, I gotta' say Irma, Irma, Irma........then anything we saw in the blues tent was pretty awesome, too. Kenny Wayne Shephard was really impressive.

[Slaphappy]

We only went on Thurs/Fri so on those days our favs were Porter, Batiste & Stolz, John Butler, Mighty Chariots of Fire and Michael Franti. The defining moment of the weekend was the Radiators Friday night show at Tips. After seeing them 70+ times this is was a top 5 ever show. Holy crap were they awesome! I'll be hoping to find a live recording of this one. Also, sadly we went another year without a TH meetup. Can't seem to make the fairgrounds b4 2pm. Look forward to meeting y'all at the 2:45 meetups next year!!!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

TexasFred and I rejoiced together on the front rail until they ran us off that the jazzfest gods listened and we got to have Ruthie at fest. AFter that set, I"m thinking they will have her back! This was a jazzfest moment for me.

Yes, lets hope & pray that she returns soon. Living here in Texas I get to see her often. Vic, it was great to see you again!!!
I was so happy that Ruthie got a JF gig.

2nd weekend:
Ruthie
Sonny
Carlos
John Butler Trio
Derek/Susan Trucks
John Mooney
Kenny Wayne Shepherd

[Lester_leaps_in]

My favorite off-site moment was listening to Grandpa Elliot sing on a street corner in the quarter. (Thanks for the tip, PapaFrog.)

[mdfest]

I wanted to like that show, but from where we were sitting, we could barely hear the tubas...

I was second row, directly in front of the speakers, and could barely hear the tubas.

[Ms. Festngator]

Gotta echo the kudos for Ruthie Foster and thank the good folks on this board for turning me on to her before fest. I thought she was fantastic. One of my definite Fest highlights.
Loved John Boutte's set of course. Also had a delightful time listening to Stephanie Jordan and of course watching the Nevilles close out Fest always moves me to tears.

[Stella Blue]

Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck with Casey Driessen and Ben Sollee was an amazing set! The featured artists each took turns toward the end with solos, and Bela did his thing, jumping between classical riffs and sniffs of Flecktones, with a nice "Sunset Road'' tease mixed in.
It looks like they will be taking this show on the road later this year. Hard to describe what they were doing -- some crazy combination of Chinese folk and American roots is the best description I can come up -- but I would definitely recommend seeing it.

[Stella Blue]

By the way, we had to leave Rebirth at Congo Square to catch this, and it was one of the most painful "stick-and-move'' decisions we had to make all weekend because Rebirth was ripping...

[Rossvegas]

My favorite off-site moment was listening to Grandpa Elliot sing on a street corner in the quarter. (Thanks for the tip, PapaFrog.)

Man, I walked into the blues tent and caught Grampa Elliott doing "Hotel California" and it blew my mind. The dude is GREAT!!!

[NYMAMA]

Ruthie Foster was my all fest favorite!!!!She rocked the tent.

[Carolina Beadhead]

Ruthie Foster was my all fest favorite!!!!She rocked the tent.

I'm with you. And when Tambourine Lady came out it kicked it up another notch, too!

[glinda]

Damn! Sorry I missed Ruthie, sounds amazing! But I loved:
Nightcrawlers
Crescent City All Stars
Santana
Tribute to Clifton Chenier
Tuba Woodshed
Aaron in the Gospel tent

[MusicRoadMan]

Anytime I don't have to sit in a cubicle, they are all my favorite sets....

God, being back to work after 2 weeks in New Orleans sucks...

[justagirl]

I didn't see Ruthie, now I'm regreatting that.

My favourite for the second weekend was Thursday, Bettye Levette. Awesome.

I really didn't make it to a lot of sets, I more or less wandered and saw some cooking demos and all. But I did see what I wanted to see for the most part.

Oh hell, all that matters is I had a ball!

[chrisjoseph]

Ruthie Foster
Carolina Chocolate Drops (huge crush on the Drop girl)
John Boutte
Irma Thomas (Mahalia Jackson tribute at the Gospel Tent)
Neville Brothers
Carlos Santana
Alejandro Escovedo

[chrisjoseph]

Shoot, I forgot, and Bettye Lavette

[festivalgirl]

Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck with Casey Driessen and Ben Sollee was an amazing set! The featured artists each took turns toward the end with solos, and Bela did his thing, jumping between classical riffs and sniffs of Flecktones, with a nice "Sunset Road'' tease mixed in.
It looks like they will be taking this show on the road later this year. Hard to describe what they were doing -- some crazy combination of Chinese folk and American roots is the best description I can come up -- but I would definitely recommend seeing it.

This gets my vote as well. It was better than I ever expected.

[justagirl]

So glad you reminded me of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, I need to look up getting some of their music. I came in on the end of the set but really liked it. Reminded me of the movie Songcatcher for some reason. I'd really like to hear more of their music.

[fessphan]

Thurs: Kermit's set made my eyes water, Mighty Chariots of Fire was a lot of fun.
Fri: Since I volunteered at the beer tent I got to go into the fairgrounds early and caught 45 minutes of Stevie Wonder's sound check with about 50 other people @ Acura. It was awesome! Franti was great in the rain.
Sun: Seeing Bo Doliis give his all with the Wild Mags was beautiful, Rebirth smoked, and the tribute to tuba Fats was my surprise set of wonderfulness this year. 5 tubas (including Tuba Fat's 13 year old grandson), Shammar, Trombone Shorty, Phil, Keith and Stafford from Rebirth, Bo Dollis Jr., and Monk Boudreux. It was a great way to end the Fest.

[neverleft]

For me John Boutte just blew me away with the sounds he was getting from his guitar. The rain seemed to really add so much fun to his show also.

[chrisjoseph]

John Boutte or John Butler?

[larrybalmer]

Terrance Blanchard w/ LA Philahrmonic doin Tale of God's Will ( A Requiem for KAtrina)- Amazing piece and the playing was top notch-glad i left Stevie crowd

Richard Thompson- incredibly powerful player writer and singer mesmerizing

Sonny Landreth- His new stuff is incredible-2 new instrumentals slay

Nevilles- the set we all love-the classics. Change Gonna come brings tears

Diana Krall-sweet set with sunshine and a breeze

Pine Leaf boys- dance the noon hour away

All 40 bands I caught at least 2 tunes of-Long Live JazzFest

[chrisjoseph]

Also forgot Art Neville's set, with a guest appearance by Aaron.

[innertube]

i was thinking no one will know who Ruthie Foster is......boy was i wrong had to listen from outside the tent...she was great!!

everyone i saw was great....

favs

John Butler Trio
Ruthie Foster
Racounters...(spell)??

[pokerchick66]

Buffett and Santana.

[Muffaletta Diver]

Much better avatar, Mon...now I can tell that it's you and not your boyfriend!

[luvwarmth]

Stevie Wonder, Irvin Mayfield & NO Jazz Orchestra, Tuba Woodshed

[pokerchick66]

Much better avatar, Mon...now I can tell that it's you and not your boyfriend!

Don't be jealous, little Muffy, I love you, too. ;)

And you're right; the pic was disorienting to me as well.

[PaulC]

i know this is off track,.. but eddie bo at the fais-do-do is still a huge smile maker from the 1st weekend,.. the man is a treasure....

2nd weekend...

a clear winna'.... lil' stevie wonder,..

2nd place... anotha' steve,.. steve riley & the mamou playboys were on fire......... really luv their sound...

speakin' of fire,.. the mighty chariots of fire were jus' that.......

tower of power for two reasons... 1st.. they were the 1st band i eva' saw in a bar as a legal payin' customer back in 1975... 2nd... two of their tunes are still all timers for me.... i mean really,.. what isn't hip about their sound???.. and i have to consider myself to be "still a young man,.. bay-bee"... nobody else will,.. so i hafta'...

took a chance mid-set of power and raced ova' for a lil' deacon john,.. shame both full sets couldn't be done... got real lucky and afta' three cool daddy tunes with the deacon (right up front,.. plenty of space comin' in right off the track) ducked right back into my front row area for power,.. and didn't miss a thing i came to hear... at least i've convinced myself of that....

i gotta admit the bonerama set was pleasantly enhanced by the fan fan ladies.... consider me a fan of that new look.......... sadly,.. those happy prancers weren't present for their set that night at tips.... i needed the jolt too,.. way beat that evenin' afta' a very early mornin' flight back into town....

the last half of the pgf set was pretty darn funky too......

[Jordan]

Thursday
1) Bettye Lavette - great voice, great audience contact, no schtick
2) Carolina Chocolate Drops - Great energy, great vibe, much less bluegrass than I expected
3) Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove - great seeing Kirk healthy and happy and playing

Friday
1) Michael Franti - can't top the message, energy or vibe - he made me want to be a better person
2) Bluerunners - fun genting my dance on again with fest friends
3) Tuba Woodshed - Sound was horrible, but we were up front and I loved the interplay between Matt and Kirk

Saturday
1) Ruthie Foster - what an amazing voice and presence
2) Chappy - some great songs and lyrics that really capture New Orleans
3) Joe Krown (always solid), Geno Delafose (always danceable) & Feufollet (I feel like I have watched them grow up from fest to fest)

Sunday
1) New Orleans Bingo Show - it's not just the scene, the music is great too - "New Orleans" should be the unofficial city ballad.
2) Kenny Neal - So good to see such a nice man and strong player back at Fest where he belongs
3) Keb' Mo' - didn't see as much of him as I would have liked, but the three songs I saw were great in their simplicity

[Moon]

5/1: Panorama Jazz Band. 1st time I've seen them on a big stage. Too bad the crowd didn't get it.
Carolina Chocolate Drops. I love this band. It's great to see them finally get some recognition.
Steve Riley/Hot Club. I bopped between Economy and Fais Do-Do for these simultaneous performances. Now that's a workout I can get behind.
Tower of Power. Larry Bynes can sing his ass off.
5/2: Bluerunners. Cajun band with a pedal steel! Hot damn!!
Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble. Like going back to school for some early jazz history.
Clive Wilson's New Orleans Serenaders with Butch Thompson. While not a native, Butch is the closest thing we got to the old Storyville professors. Those were the days.
The Lee Boys: These guys were billed as sacred steel but I heard more Allman Brothers than hymns.
5/3: Pine Leaf Boys. Saturday was Cajun/Zydeco day and these guys were a great start.
Geno Delafose: The kid just gets better and better. Papa John has to be grinning down from Heaven.
Dr.Michael White & the Liberty Jazz Band. IMHO, the best traditional jazz band playing today. Having Jason Marsalis on drums certainly won't hurt. My only time away from Fais Do-Do.
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas. Your mama don't know.
5/4: Lost Bayou Ramblers. I know somebody's got to open but these guys deserved a better time slot. 11:30 crowds don't have a lot of game in them just yet.
Kenny Neal. The big news from Baton Rogue has still got it. That's good news.
Snooks Eaglin. With George Porter no less. I can count on one hand the number of Snooks' shows i've missed at JazzFest.
Keb Mo. When Keb finished his set, I told K, "We might as well go home since nothing we hear is gonna top that."

[Dr. A.]

Fri: tuba woodshed/richard thompson/bad plus (surprised me)
Sat: alejandro escovedo/ddbb/marcia

i skipped sunday. i know most would disagree but i found it to be the weakest lineup of the fest. regretably missed thurs. somebody had to work here.

[Rossvegas]

i know this is off track,.. but eddie bo at the fais-do-do is still a huge smile maker from the 1st weekend,.. the man is a treasure....

2nd weekend...

a clear winna'.... lil' stevie wonder,..

2nd place... anotha' steve,.. steve riley & the mamou playboys were on fire......... really luv their sound...

speakin' of fire,.. the mighty chariots of fire were jus' that.......

tower of power for two reasons... 1st.. they were the 1st band i eva' saw in a bar as a legal payin' customer back in 1975... 2nd... two of their tunes are still all timers for me.... i mean really,.. what isn't hip about their sound???.. and i have to consider myself to be "still a young man,.. bay-bee"... nobody else will,.. so i hafta'...

took a chance mid-set of power and raced ova' for a lil' deacon john,.. shame both full sets couldn't be done... got real lucky and afta' three cool daddy tunes with the deacon (right up front,.. plenty of space comin' in right off the track) ducked right back into my front row area for power,.. and didn't miss a thing i came to hear... at least i've convinced myself of that....

i gotta admit the bonerama set was pleasantly enhanced by the fan fan ladies.... consider me a fan of that new look.......... sadly,.. those happy prancers weren't present for their set that night at tips.... i needed the jolt too,.. way beat that evenin' afta' a very early mornin' flight back into town....

the last half of the pgf set was pretty darn funky too......

I definitely agree with you about Eddie Bo, amigo. I catch him every time I can because last year, his set was so joyous it actually made me cry. I shot some video of him dancing up front, and that big grin is just infectious! For all of you who haven't seem him yet, put him on your "must see" list - he's a true N'awlins treasure.

[Rossvegas]

5/1: Panorama Jazz Band. 1st time I've seen them on a big stage. Too bad the crowd didn't get it.
Carolina Chocolate Drops. I love this band. It's great to see them finally get some recognition.
Steve Riley/Hot Club. I bopped between Economy and Fais Do-Do for these simultaneous performances. Now that's a workout I can get behind.
Tower of Power. Larry Bynes can sing his ass off.
5/2: Bluerunners. Cajun band with a pedal steel! Hot damn!!
Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble. Like going back to school for some early jazz history.
Clive Wilson's New Orleans Serenaders with Butch Thompson. While not a native, Butch is the closest thing we got to the old Storyville professors. Those were the days.
The Lee Boys: These guys were billed as sacred steel but I heard more Allman Brothers than hymns.
5/3: Pine Leaf Boys. Saturday was Cajun/Zydeco day and these guys were a great start.
Geno Delafose: The kid just gets better and better. Papa John has to be grinning down from Heaven.
Dr.Michael White & the Liberty Jazz Band. IMHO, the best traditional jazz band playing today. Having Jason Marsalis on drums certainly won't hurt. My only time away from Fais Do-Do.
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas. Your mama don't know.
5/4: Lost Bayou Ramblers. I know somebody's got to open but these guys deserved a better time slot. 11:30 crowds don't have a lot of game in them just yet.
Kenny Neal. The big news from Baton Rogue has still got it. That's good news.
Snooks Eaglin. With George Porter no less. I can count on one hand the number of Snooks' shows i've missed at JazzFest.
Keb Mo. When Keb finished his set, I told K, "We might as well go home since nothing we hear is gonna top that."

Dude, I was at almost all of the same shows you were! How I managed to not trip over you is a miracle...and a drag. And just how sweet is Keb Mo's voice, huh?

[revjimk]

Carlos Santana, all the way!
Tho I admit I missed Sat. to go to Breaux Bridge Fest
rev

[Moon]

Dude, I was at almost all of the same shows you were! How I managed to not trip over you is a miracle...and a drag. And just how sweet is Keb Mo's voice, huh?

Indeed! I left your cell # in Atlanta. Kathi was more upset about not seeing you than she was about missing John Prine.

[brooklyngal]

Stevie Wonder was just magical for me. I loved the Mardi Gras Indians my first day, Irma Thomas doing the tribute to Mahalia Jackson, definitely Bobby McFerrin. Every set was pure heaven though because there is no place better than JF!

[nealbook]

Thur.-Porter Batiste Stolz

Fri.-John Butler Trio

Sat.-Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin

Sun.-Derek Trucks Band

Saw so much else good stuff. Though was a bit bummed with how crowded Sat. and Sun. were. Made it a bit harder than usual to jump around between tents for sure and some stages....

[willwn]

I think my first prize has to go to the Raconteurs. That was a fantastic set.

John Butler and Zigaboo are up there, too.

[neverleft]

For me John Boutte just blew me away with the sounds he was getting from his guitar. The rain seemed to really add so much fun to his show also.

Opps, I meant John Butler, but John Boutte is right up there.

[Frosty]

My favorite off-site moment was listening to Grandpa Elliot sing on a street corner in the quarter. (Thanks for the tip, PapaFrog.)


I didn't know who the guy was who sings on Royal but heard him last year while walking back from Cafe DuMond with my wife. I was really disappointed I couldn't get his CD but had spent the last of my cash for beignets. Looked for him in November when I was down there but couldn't find him. Well, on the flight home I'm talking to a guy who saw someone named Grampa Elliot at Fest and he told me about how he plays in the Quarter with a young white guy. I immediately realized it was the same guy. Now, I know who he is and can hopefully track down a CD. Great voice!

[Frosty]

My favorite set was the Neville Brothers. Because, sometimes music is more than just music.

Also:

Deacon John
Zigaboo Modeliste
Sonny Landreth
Irma Thomas Gospel Tent
Santana

[PaulC]

I didn't know who the guy was who sings on Royal but heard him last year while walking back from Cafe DuMond with my wife. I was really disappointed I couldn't get his CD but had spent the last of my cash for beignets. Looked for him in November when I was down there but couldn't find him. Well, on the flight home I'm talking to a guy who saw someone named Grampa Elliot at Fest and he told me about how he plays in the Quarter with a young white guy. I immediately realized it was the same guy. Now, I know who he is and can hopefully track down a CD. Great voice!

been enjoyin' grampa elliot in the quarter for many a year now,.. at least 8 yrs ago since we 1st caught his act,.. maybe more.... had no idea that he had his own set in the blues tent until i happened upon it 2nd fri. morn...... anybody know if he has eva' played fest before??....

personally,.. i was way too amped up to sit around for more than three tunes (maybe if they weren't all ballads, i would have stuck),.. truthfully have enjoyed him far more on the street corner...

he used to play in the quarter with anotha' black dude,.. in addition to very serious musical chops,.. they were hilarious together... had more than a few shticks down pat.... i bought a cd from them not too many years back.... it gets played now and again though it's no where near as cool as seein' stoney b and grampa playin' the corner...... didn't see the otha' black dude (stoney b)in the tent,.. even though his name was included on the schedule... the cd is mostly stoney b vocals,.. they shared the lead on the street... one thing for sure,.. gramps can handle the vocals and play that harp....

pulled out that cd as a result of this thread,.. and playin' it right now....

truly regrettin' leavin' his set early now... but i had that tuba woodshed kinda set in stone,.. pliable stone as usual,.. but made the move anywho.... jus' anotha' case of that special pain of fest....

[Corona]

Hi kids!
Man, what a great fest!!!

2nd weekend favorites were Widespread Panic, especially when the Wild Maggies came on..serious fest moment for me!

Then John Butler Trio and Michael Franti for sure! These two were my absolute fav's as well as Santana! Zigaboo was very cool as well :)

[jtd7]

I have heard so many good things about the Carolina Chocolate Drops, starting with strangers around the Fairgrounds last weekend, that I have to check them out.

Richard Thompson was fantastic, and the Brett Dennen crowd before him cleared out completely so we strolled right up to the barricade and stood at his feet. I think he saw me jotting down his set-list 'coz that's when he made that joke about having recorded the next tune in 1971 "for those of you who are taking notes". He is completely recovered from the scorpion sting.

Big Chief Bo Dollis was great, Trombone Shorty joined him for a (trumpet) solo.

But the highlight by far was Irma Thomas in the Gospel tent Tribute to Mahalia Jackson. That may be one of the most hearfelt vocal performances I have ever heard, in any genre. When she sang "Precious Lord," she overwhelmed herself. The audience started to cheer her on midway through the first verse, but then everyone seemed to realize we shouldn't do anything to make her stop, and we almost held our breaths as she built and built the intensity through three verses. And Irma Thomas has such great technique that she can pour all that emotion into a song without her voice giving out. When she was finished the tent erupted in cheers.

[Phatpapa]

I decided this fest was going to be a little different for me than past fests as far as trying to hear music I had never heard before. ie staying away from the BNA's if you will. Needless to say, I did A LOT of roaming.

So, in no particular order:


Henry Butler

Listening to Stevie warm up at about 9am before the gates opened and Ms Lena's shift

Snooks

Trombone Shorty

Suprisingly, Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Rads, Nevilles, Maze, and Amanda Shaw to close it out. Can you say ROAM?
Kermit

Panorama Jazz Band

Soul Rebels

Aaron Nevilles gospel set

Rebirth Blew the roof off

John Butler Trio (Anyone know when he lost his dreads?)

Big Chief Bo Dolis

Santana

and of course Panic and very special guests. I've seen a lot of shows and that was prolly top 5 for me all time. They played a couple of songs they wrote about "it". Walk on the Flood and From the Cradle. (And to the complete stranger and lovely, smoking local lady who kept blowing hits down my lungs french style.If you are out there. Will you marry me?):D :D :D

Thanks for a great fest everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ps, I don't miss the humidity one bit. I remember why I can't live there just yet DAMNIT

[steeleye]

Aaron Neville in the Gospel Tent...I'd always heard of people leaving the Gospel Tent in tears...now I know why. Count me among them. A breathtaking performance. Live music gets no better than this.

Carolina Chocolate Drops...I'm a sucker for revivalists. Remarkable stuff.

Richard Thompson...as good of a song writer as he is, he's an even better guitarist.

Shamar's Fest4Kidz...The highlight of my time in New Orleans.

[Ludlows23]

OK - without looking at my lists:

John Butler Trio

Glen David Andrews - both at the Fest and during his awesome 2nd line at RnB - that was a blast!

James Andrews

Troy Andrews

(I think I saw the entire Andrews family)

Dirty Dozen

Galactic - wish I had seen the whole set..

Michael Franti - a jazz fest surprise for me - hadn't ever heard of him and didn't think I was a "reggae" fan - would never have seen him if my fest partner that day hadn't suggested him

Buffett - an unexpected pleasure in the mud. Another one that I wouldn't have done on my own - my first Buffett show

Kermit

Wild Mags - of course!

Bonerama - at fest and RnB...

Marcia Ball - only caught 2 songs. :(

Amanda Shaw to close out fest...