Forget about sleep. Say goodbye to that nightcap. Tell those sheep to stop jumping the fence. It’s Jazz Fest time. If you’re not out hearing music, you’re missing something tasty.

It starts with a bang on April 25th, when the Contemporary Arts Center hosts what may very well be the most important free-jazz concert to ever hit New Orleans. Presented by Anxious Sound in conjunction with Spyboy Productions, the Die Like A Dog Trio, featuring reed master Peter Brotzmann, bassist William Parker and drummer/percussionist Hamid Drake, will perform starting at 8 p. m. (call: 528-3800, www.cacno.org).

This unique and powerful trio combines the talents of three leaders in the world of creative music. Brotzmann, from Germany, emerged from the Fluxus art movement of the ’60s to boldly stake out new turf in European improvised music. Parker, dubbed the “spiritual leader of the New York improv scene,” is a virtuoso bass improviser, accomplished leader and sideman, and published poet/playwright. Drake, from Chicago, has worked with such luminaries as Pharoah Sanders, Fred Anderson and our own Kidd Jordan; and is noted for integrating hand-drumming concepts from Africa and the Far East into a bold new vision of jazz drumming.

For Rob Cambre, who founded Anxious Sound in 1996 to present a William Parker concert at the old Zeitgeist, this show is the culmination of many year’s work. “From the beginning, this has been the band I have most wanted to bring to New Orleans,” he says. “Each member has now visited New Orleans separately to perform, but on this night it all comes full-circle as this mighty trio brings its inspiring energy music to New Orleans listeners.”
One of the most anticipated jazz shows out at the Fair Grounds is Nicholas Payton’s Armstrong Centennial Celebration on April 28th, featuring Payton and his 11-piece big band performing expansive modern arrangements of material spanning Louis Armstrong’s illustrious career.

This music, which just came out on Payton’s brand new Dear Louis CD (see Reviews), was previewed by many fortunate locals on April 1st at the Mahalia Jackson Theater of Performing Arts. (Kudos to The New Orleans Jazz Legacy Foundation for organizing another successful event in their ongoing campaign to properly honor jazz in its birthplace.)

Payton has been wowing audiences around the world with this band for well over a year, but this was their first New Orleans appearance, which he considered the true test. “People all over the world have dug it, but people in New Orleans are amongst the hippest listeners out there,” he told me recently. “They know if something is happening or not, and they’re not easily dazzled by flash and other things because they’re used to hearing good music all the time. So if I can appeal to their tastes that will make me feel somewhat satisfied, even more so because it’s the birthplace of Armstrong, and many New Orleanians are familiar with the spirit of Armstrong that still looms in the city, I believe.”

Happily for Payton, the audience at the Mahalia Jackson Theater seemed delighted as the big band creatively reinvented such favorites as “St. James Infirmary,” “West End Blues” and “Hello Dolly” to reflect a diverse spectrum of old and new influences. During “Tiger Rag,” revamped with a tuba and baritone driven second-line groove à la the Dirty Dozen, people actually got up and started to dance in the somewhat austere theater.

Payton, also in good spirits, made an exciting announcement before the encore. “I’ve just been informed that we have boxing royalty in the house with us tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Smokin’ Joe Frazier!” The house lights went up and the crowd looked around eagerly. Just when people were starting to get skeptical, Payton let the cat out of the bag. “April Fool’s,” he said slyly, then launched into a rousing version of “I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal You” which had everyone on their feet clapping.
During the Fest, the Mahalia Jackson Theater will host another major jazz event on May 3rd at 8:30 p. m., this time a benefit concert celebrating the latest CD release from renowned New Orleans saxophonist Donald Harrison, Jr.. On Paradise Found, Harrison continues to explore his groundbreaking “nouveau swing” style, which merges straight-ahead acoustic swing with modern R&B, second-line, hip-hop, Mardi Gras Indian and reggae rhythms.

The disc also introduces his extremely talented nephew, the 18-year-old trumpeter Christian Scott, who will be a special guest at this show, along with Big Chief Smiley Ricks, Big Chief Brian and others. After the acoustic set, Harrison will debut his new electric group consisting of drummer Ricky Sebastian, keyboardist Victor Atkins, bassist David Pulphus, guitarist John Bagnado and percussionist Damon Batiste. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Ronald McDonald House (call: 522-5555).

Superfly Productions is bringing world class talent to historic Rosy’s Jazz Hall (500 Valence Street at Tchoupitoulas). Legendary pianist McCoy Tyner performs with his trio on April 28th, and the Joshua Redman Quartet appears May 4th & 5th. (Redman also adds fuel to the “Superjam” on May 6th at Saenger Theatre.) Rosy’s, a plush, intimate venue with great acoustics, will host two shows each night (call: 1-800-965-4827, www.superflypresents.com).

On the brass band front, the renowned Dirty Dozen plays the Maple Leaf on April 26th, providing a great way to start the first weekend of the Fest. Bonerama opens the show (call: 1-800-965-4827, www.superflypresents.com). And the New Orleans Nightcrawlers provide a great way to close out the weekend at the Funky Butt on April 29th (call: 558-0872).

Mama Dig Down’s Brass Band may be from Madison, Wisconsin, but listen to their new CD, Mama’s House, and you’d swear they’re coming straight from the Tremé. In the tradition of ReBirth, Dirty Dozen and all the most down and dirty local bands, these boys bring the raw street funk with plenty of fire and extra chops to boot. Maybe that’s because they travel down regularly to hang and pay dues at Donna’s, where they’ll celebrate their CD release on May 4th at 10 p. m. and May 5th at 11:30 p. m. (call: 596-6914).

Also at Donna’s, the Bob French & Friends gig, due to popular demand during the Fest, will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday as well as its traditional Monday night slot. In case no one has told you, this is the most happening jam session in town, where cats young and old, trad and modern, local and national hang out and flirt with women. (They play some killing music, too.) And we can’t forget about the free red beans and barbecue on the break.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Jazz Fest without another epic battle of the bands between local trumpet maestros Kermit Ruffins and Irvin Mayfield. Come watch the sparks fly at House of Blues (Parish Room) on April 28th at 1 a.m. (call: 529-BLUE).

Enjoy your Fest, and remember, you can sleep after it’s over