If it's Thursday....

...it must be Kermit Ruffins at Vaughn's..altho if you weren't in New Orleans last Thursday you could have caught his show in NYC at the Hiro Ballroom in Chelsea. Place was a trip- all Japanese Lanterns and lights...above the stage was an animitronic dragon complete with glowing red eyes and blowing huge puffs of smoke (much to Mr. Ruffin's amusement)..1st set was a typical Kermit Ruffins set- with some great trumpet solos and alot of banter with the audience. 2nd set was a tribute to Louis Armstrong's recent 110th birthday so Kermit changed out of his all white suit and returned to the stage in a formal black tuxedo. Band was great -featured female vocalist sounded good- but it was Mr. Ruffins' singing and trumpet playing that carried the show. A nice opportunity to see him up close and in person here in the East . All aboard!...

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..