Bounce New Orleans Style in NYC

Here's a treat...Coming up on May 28th, Big Freedia one of the "Big 3" of the New Orleans Bounce music scene (the other 2 being Katey Red and Sissy Nobby) is making a rare appearance out of NO and in NYC (well Brooklyn anyway) at the Brooklyn Bowl. I have not been to this venue yet but appears to be the East Coast version of New Orlean's Rock N Bowl. Anyway, if showtime was a bit earlier (scheduled for a Brass Bandesque 11pm EST start) and I lived a bit closer would go to this. Big Freedia and Sissy Nobby appeared at this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on the Congo Square stage. I have never been to a bounce show in person- have only seen some online videos and the scene has been briefly featured in HBO's Treme; will have to get to one sooner or later. In meantime you can checkout nolabounce.com for free mp3s and to read up on whats up in bounce. Here's an article to check out from NO's Gambit.com and here's where you go for information about this weekends show.

Jazzfest from a Distance....

..let me be clear..nothing can replace actually being there..the sounds, the sights, the crowds and most of all the energy!...BUT if you can't be there you make do...listening to live broadcasts on Oz, getting live texts and pics from the Fairgrounds (Thanks Sis!) and watching recorded performances via Rollingstone.com was better than nothing at all. Oz always does a great job- love the fact that they are right at the Fairgrounds ..highlights for me were the Irvin Mayfield NOJO broadcast on last day..also enjoyed Ruthie Foster, Mahalia tribute and David Torkonowsky piano show..lots of what they broadcasted  I would not necessarily have gone to see if I was there in person but thats how  you hear different stuff and discover new bands and artists which should be purpose (IMHO) of the Fest anyway...Same goes for RollingStone broadcast..not a big Acura Stage fan...typically I stay away from big stages (my favorites are Fais Do Do and Jazz & Heritage stages along w/ Jazz,Blues and Economy Hall tents)..figure most folks on big stages I can see in Philly or NY at some point...like to seek out the local or more obscure artists that may not travel as much or are just emerging or even better, groups put together just for Fest..anyway, even given that, was impressed that RollingStone did 5 (!) hrs of coverage each day..broadcast and sound quality was very good (actually hooked up my  sons new laptop to my big screen flat panel tv) and they did a nice sampling of all the artists who plaayed Acura for the 2 days..My favorites were Better than Ezra w MG Indians , Bonerama and of course the Nevilles to close things out..keep wishing that some day they will figure out how to do a Pay per View thing or ideally let you tap into any stage at any time through out the Fest ( a guy can dream can't he?)..well thats all for now..actually writing this again from the skies- actually on my way to New Orleans for a quick visit...will write about reason for my visit in a later post..bye for now.

Its Fest Time...

..down in New Orleans..not able to make it this year..gonna do all I can to watch and listen from back East. This weekend looks like 'Oz is best bet for audio streaming. Next weekend apparently RollingStone.com is streaming some live performances. I'll take what I can get. When I get a chance will throw up some of  my pics from Jazzfests past. Happy Fest!

It's French Quarter Fest Time in New Orleans

Check out festival info here . You can also listen to some live broadcasts via WWOZ and  WWLTV.com is streaming some of the live shows from the Abita Beer Stage. This is largest free music festival in the South with 4 days of music spread over 17+ stages from in the French Quarter and down to the river.

Not East Coast but Definitely New Orleans: Jazz Fest Cubes are HERE!

Not going this year but feel obligated to post. The usual embarrassment of riches. Go to CUBES.