Monday- December 20, 2010- The Christmas Concert Series at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square will take a decidedly blues turn this evening at 6 PM when the great guitarist and singer performs.
I have seen “Wolfman†perform hundreds of times but I have never heard him play a holiday song. But he is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing soul, blues, funk and rock ‘n’ roll, so I have no doubt that he has a couple of carols in him.
I must give a huge shout out for the people that book this event. “Wolfman†is a far cry from the unusual choral groups and jazzy ensembles that play during the season. I look forward to hearing a few howls from the altar.
Posted on December 20th, 2010
Saturday- December 18, 2010- this evening the House of Blues will be the place to be for one of best dual parties I have ever attended. Kermit is an unabashed Christmas fan who fulfilled a life time dream when he released a Christmas album last year. It’s still available from Basin Street Records.
He will also be celebrating his birthday, the big 45, if memory serves. Ruffins latest album, “Happy Talk†reached #5 on the Billboard jazz charts and he recently appeared with the Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Your scribe isn’t usually home to watch the program, but I enjoyed his musical interludes early the next evening.
Kermit always has plenty of guests on hand to liven up his birthday party and you can count on hearing his unique take on holiday classics.
Posted on December 18th, 2010
Friday- December 17, 2010- come out early to the Maple Leaf Bar this evening from 7- 10 PM for a full line up of pianists and vocalists. There will also be a sneak peek at the Bayou Maharajah film. Musicians expected to participate include Tom Worrell, Tom McDermott, Ronald Markham, Bill Malchow, Josh Paxton, CR Gruver, Joe Krown and Woody Wood. The after party is across the street at Frenchy’s Gallery. Several musicians who performed with Booker including Reggie Scanlan of the Radiators, Jack Cruz of the Walter “Wolfman†Washington and the Roadmasters and Jim Scheurich, the photographer and drummer are expected to attend the after party.
Posted on December 17th, 2010
Thursday- December 10, 2010- The first annual event is to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank and their partners. The show will also feature a very special holiday tribute to Marva Wright. Please bring a non-perishable food item and/ or an unwrapped toy item. There will also be a raffle of holiday gift items.
Here’s the lineup-
Washboard Chaz blues band- 7:30- 7:45 PM
Coot- 7:55- 8:10 PM
Gravity A-Â 8:20- 8:40 PM
Matt Lemmler’s New Orleans Jazz Revival Band- 8:50- 9:10 PM
Good Enough for Good Times- 9:20- 9:40 PM
Bill Iuso and friends- 9:50- 10:05 PM
Tribute to Marva Wright featuring Margie Perez, Topsy Chapman, Leslie Smith, Deanna Bernard, Bruce†Sunpie†Barnes and more- 10:15-11:00 PM
Joe Krown-11:05- 11:20 PM
Mr. Metaphor featuring Sam Hotchkiss, Jon Gross, Kevin O’Day, Jeff Watkins and CR Gruver- 11:30- 11:50 PM
Los-Po-Boy-Citos- 12:00- 12:20 AM
Andrew Duhon- 12:30- 12:50 AM
Corey Henry’s Smokedown- 1:00- 1:30 AM
Posted on December 16th, 2010
The Night Tripper, born Malcolm Rebennack, joins Neil Diamond, Darlene Love, Alice Cooper and Tom Waits as the latest inductees into the Cleveland-based institution. Dr. John was a session player during the 1950s heyday of R&B in New Orleans before becoming an unlikely star at the height of psychedelic 1960s. His first album, Gris-Gris, appeared in 1968 and shook the music community with his spooky blend of New Orleans rhythms and voodoo overtones. Dr. John played guitar in his early years, but switched to piano when his hand was hurt in a shooting. Lately, he sticks mostly to piano, but is known to pick up a guitar every now and then. The photo, by Dylan Stansbury, is from the 2010 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Gala.
Posted on December 15th, 2010
