Back to the Candlelight..

I know its time to write about the big ride BUT, as I continue to go thru my photos and videos from my Mardi Gras trip I came across this video that I took at the Candlelight Lounge in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans that features the world famous Treme Brass Band every Wednesday night. For folks that know New Orleans, one of my favorite spots used to be Donna's Brass Bar and Grill on N. Rampart St at the top of the French Quarter. Unfortunately, Donna retired to Florida a couple years ago and the club is no more. In my opinion, that used to be THE place to see brass bands in New Orleans. The setting and music was fantastic and the crowd was this great mix of musicians, locals and tourists. Other musicians would drop in during the show to sit in on the way to another gig or regular folks who just felt like dancing would just come in off the sidewalk- do their thing for maybe only 1 song or so and then head back out. It was wild. In my opinion, the Candlelight is very much like Donnas. Its a real neighborhood "joint"in the best sense of the word. The music is great, there are free red beans when Treme plays (Hint: Don't try to help yourself- they have folks who will bring the food and drinks to you at your table; I made the mistake of trying to go up on my own for seconds and got yelled at by the bartender!). Anyway, the crowd here has that "Donna's" mix: local folks from the neighborhood and tourists all mixed up together having a good ol time. Video doesnt do the scene justice but gives you a little bit of a feel for what this place is like. So kick back, crack open that High Life and enjoy. (Note: video was taken using my regular ol point n shoot camera in movie mode so not top quality)

More cowbell?

So last post was Wed from Candlelight Lounge..well shortly after that post things really got fun. At one point I was handed a drum stick and what must have been a 5 lb cowbell to play along- from my seat- w the band ..it was a blast- me banging away on the cowbell, the Treme Brass Band playing at full tilt, 3 or 4 folks in crowd playing tambourine ( including Rosalie Smith, the Tambourine Lady who jumps on stage at Jazzfest w different bands to do her thing) and pretty much everyone in the place up and dancing..there was one last special treat- at some point i noticed that the drummer for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band -Lil Joe Lastie - had wandered into the clun and in no time there he was playing drums w the band...and this was only Day One!...

If it's Wednesday......

...then get yourself to the Candlelight Lounge in the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans...IMHO Donna's used to be THE place for a real neighborhood New Orleans music experience, but since Donna decided to retire to Florida, the Candlelight is now the place to be and on Wednesday with the Treme Brass Band..well as they say back East - Fugetaboudhit..even with the randomly enforced $5 cover (if you live in the neighborhood, don't think you get charged), you can't go wrong with this music and the whole scene..so, get there early, get a seat at the table near the band,start ordering up those $3 High Lifes and have a good old time..I've been there several times and trust me -once you go , you will always want to go back again as soon as you can..so let's reveiw - here is the Holy Trinity of New Orleans Music Venues (during the week anyway) : Tuesday- Maple Leaf, Wednesday- The Candlelight Lounge and Thursday-Vaughns (preview of tomorrow's post)...I've been at each at different times but never 3 days in a row...gotta save something for a future visit..Bye for now..