Many of the uptown projects in New Orleans have been torn down and replaced by modern-looking townhomes, but the residents still poured out onto front porches and lawns to see the second-line as it passed down LaSalle Avenue. Over to my left I spied the legendary Dew Drop Inn, an African-American nightclub and hotel that launched the careers of many great musicians and singers. Although closed since Katrina, the sturdy building survived the monster storm, and there is talk of renovation and reopening. Turning onto Louisiana Avenue, we came to Big Man Lounge, apparently a known gathering spot for brass bands and second-liners. Here the bands actually came to a stop, and the members of the Young Men Olympian disappeared inside the lounge for a rest and a refreshment. Hearing my name called, I turned around to see Edward Jackson, the trombonist with To Be Continued who was marching today with the Hot 8, who gathered out in the neutral ground of Louisiana Avenue near the lounge.
Bands
Urban Music Showcases at @CuttingEdgeNOLA
My friend Rico Brooks, who manages Gorilla Zoe, was in New Orleans for the Cutting Edge conference, and after we ate dinner at the Steak Knife, we headed over to Le Roux on Louisiana Avenue for the conference’s rap and R & B showcases. The hip-hop performances upstairs had ended early due to some artists on the line-up that failed to appear, but the R & B/soul showcases were still going on downstairs, including the Austin-based band Neckbone.
Tennessee Mass Choir at the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival 2011
The Tennessee Mass Choir is one of Memphis’ finest gospel choirs, and their performance at the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival was especially noteworthy, with legendary drummer Edward “Hot” Cleveland and bassist Jackie Clark backing them up. The rain could not dampen their enthusiasm, and it was a masterful performance.
Sharde Thomas and the Boys perform at the Otha Turner Picnic
Sharde Thomas and the Boys perform at the Otha Turner Picnic at Gravel Springs, Mississippi, August 27, 2011
The Acoustic Stage at the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival, Clarksdale, 2011
The Acoustic Stage was at the Sunflower River on Yazoo Avenue, next door to the Quapaw Canoe Company. This stage featured such artists as Kenny Brown, Lucious Spiller and Robert Belfour, August 13, 2011, Clarksdale, MS
Garry Burnside Live at the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic 2011
The Garry Burnside Band on stage at the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic, June 25, 2011
Live Jazz at Atlanta’s Churchill Grounds @ChurchillJazz @ChurchillGround
More traditional jazz can be heard at Churchill Grounds, a jazz club in the Fox Theatre building on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. June 21, 2011.
Atlanta’s Home For Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul And Great Food @ApacheCafe
The Apache Cafe is a unique institution in Atlanta, offering hip-hop and experimental jazz, poetry, art, desserts and french press coffees. Definitely a must-do for any fan of hip-hop music when coming to ATL.
The Memphis All-Star Mass Band-Baby Come To Me (via @memphissoulfinger)
The Memphis All-Star Mass Band. Filled with high school kids and college students/alumni of various HBCU bands. Playing “Baby, Come To Me” by Regina Belle
At The Juneteenth Event in Douglass Park, North Memphis
Juneteenth, Douglass Park, North Memphis, June 18, 2011