This afternoon, February 5, 2010, the wine-oriented Krewe of Cork struts through the French Quarter beginning at 3 PM at the Court of Two Sisters restaurant. Besides boasting some fantastic costumes, many of which will have wine related themes, the krewe, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, also hires a first class group of players to escort them. The brass band super-group is dubbed the Cork Poppa Stoppas for the parade and features the cream of the crop of musicians. Trumpeter Leroy Jones and his trombone-playing wife are always featured. Trombonist Freddie Lonzo is a regular and such luminaries as Herlin Riley or Shannon Powell have held down the snare drum spot. The parade lasts for two hours and ends at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
The Original “Trio” Returns to the Maple Leaf
The lineup of musicians who perform Thursday nights at the Maple Leaf varies with the touring schedule of the key players, drummer Johnny Vidacovich and bassist George Porter, Jr. Numerous players have filled the third spot over the years. Tonight, February 4, 2010, the original musician who helped create the concept of the Trio, the guitarist June Yamagishi will be back on the stage. Not to take anything away from any of the other “thirds,” but the musical rapport between these three musicians is nothing short of amazing.
Musicians for Mitch Tonight at the House of Blues
This evening, February 3, 2010, a veritable who’s who of the New Orleans musical community will come together in support of Mitch Landrieu for mayor. The event begins at 7:30 PM and features Allen Toussaint, Branford Marsalis, Irma Thomas, Pete Fountain, Terence Blanchard, Deacon John, Ellis Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins, Ronnie Kole, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Rebirth Brass Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Donald Harrison, Jeremy Davenport, Banu Gibson, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, George Porter, Jr., Amanda Shaw, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Big Sam, Rockin’ Dopsie, Dr. Michael White, Charmaine Neville, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, John “Papa” Gros, Astral Project feat. Johnny Vidacovich, Steve Masakowski, James Singleton, Tony Dagradi, David Torkanowsky, June Yamagishi, Amasa Miller, and more.
New Orleans Indie Rock Collective Announces Foburg- A New 3-day Music Festival
Foburg marks the first time that indie music will take over Frenchmen’s diverse venues and the first time since Katrina that a festival is centered in this location. Created and conceived by the Indie Rock Collective, the event brings together a diverse group of programming partners committed to advancing New Orleans’ creative renaissance. Foburg presents local talent in the thriving alternative music scene, provides an opportunity to attract new talent to the city, and will revitalize one of New Orleans’ favorite music destinations with fresh music and new audiences.
The festival is scheduled for March 12-14 2010. Foburg will feature rock, indie rock, and alternative artists from the Gulf South and national touring artists on their way to SXSW in Austin, TX, which takes place the following week. For more info please visit www.foburgneworleans.com.
Terence Blanchard and Irvin Mayfield Bring Home Grammy Awards
The two trumpeters both won last night in Los Angeles. Blanchard (pictured) earned his accolade for “Best Improvised Jazz Solo.” His work was on the song, “Dancin’ 4 Chicken” from Jeff “Tain” Watts latest recording. Mayfield won with his New Orleans Jazz Orchestra for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album” for “Book One.”