Essence Communications Inc., along with Festival Productions Inc., announced last month that the Essence Music Festival, the three-day musical and cultural celebration held over the 4th of July, will return to the city for at least the next three years through the year 2001. Mayor Marc Morial praised the decision by Essence saying that “it sends a strong message that New Orleans is a leader in multicultural tourism.” Among the many performers who have played the Essence Festival in the past include R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
Former newscaster Warren Bell will take over as permanent co-host of Louisiana Jukebox effective immediately. Bell joins longtime co-host Nikki Reyes at the helm of the popular local music television program. With staffing considerations decided executive producer Ernest Collins says that the show can now concentrate on increasing its viewership. Jukebox is rebroadcast weekly in Shreveport, Opelousas, Memphis (TN), Cleveland (OH) and can also be heard on WRNO worldwide shortwave radio. Last month the show began airing in Austin, TX on the Austin Music Network Channel.
‘We’re very excited about being included in a market known for its music scene,” Collins says. “We’re looking to take the show into key markets that are known for music and some sort of musical history. Places like Nashville, Chicago and, of course, New York.”
By winning the Cable ACE award two years running and being chosen “Best Local Music TV Show” by OffBeat readers two years in a row, Louisiana Jukebox definitely has an advantage on the competition. The show airs live on Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. on Cox Metro 10.
And speaking of Austin: The 24th season of Austin City Limits unveils the first of 13 new programs beginning Feb. 6 on PBS. Delivering performances captured in its intimate studio setting, Austin City Limits welcomes Deana Carter, the Dixie Chicks, Charlie Robinson, Lionel Hampton, Ruth Brown, Lucinda Williams and Billy Bragg. And in the weeks to follow, the longest running popular music show on public television features Vince Gill, Ray Price, Jimmy Vaughan, Junior Brown and many more esteemed and promising new artists representing the full spectrum of American music.
Chip Waguespack has begun booking groups and singer-songwriters in the new acoustic venue called Polynesian Joes (869 Magazine Street). Waguespack, along with his partner, Brandt Baxter, also started Monarch Productions last month.
Says Waguespack, “We’ll be having an open stage Mondays through Thursdays until folks become aware of the venue. We’ll be booking bands on weekends and we also rent the room for private parties. Monarch Productions can supply a band and/or a DJ as well. In addition to a full bar and kitchen, we also have a sand-filled volleyball court.”
The 32nd season of Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane University will be La Cage aux Folles (June 17-20), The Sound of Music (July 8-11) and Damn Yankees (July 29-Aug.1). For ticket information, call the theatre at (504) 865-5271.
Superfly Productions rings in the Mardi Gras season with three great shows at the CAC: the funky Meters with G. Love & Special Sauce (Feb. 12), Busta Rhymes (opener TBA) (Feb. 14); and Cowboy Mouth plus Everything and Mulebone (Feb. 15). Doors will open at 9 p.m. with the music starting at 10 p.m.
Ruf/Polygram Records will release Stavin’ Chain’s national debut record in March. The record was recorded in New Orleans , produced by John Mooney and mixed by Rob Fraboni (The Band’s Last Waltz producer).
Bishop Perry Middle School and Friends of New Orleans Cemeteries present a tribute to the great African-American patron of education, Marie Couvent, on Sat., Feb. 27 beginning at 11 a.m. The event, which will take place at 1941 Dauphin St., will begin with songs and testimonials. This will be followed by a brass band and second line which will proceed to St. Louis Cemetery #2 for the blessing of Couvent’s restored tomb and the subsequent plaque dedication. For more information, call (504) 949-2785.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Community Outreach Ticket program is designed to provide Louisiana-based, non-profit organizations and schools with an opportunity to attend the 1999 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for free or at a discounted rate. To submit an application to the outreach program, send a letter of request to: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Community Outreach Ticket Program, 1205 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Letters must be on the official stationary of the school or organization and should include a brief summary of who will utilize the tickets. Questions can be directed to (504) 522-4786.
Destination Management, the official tour operator of the Jazz Fest, is now offering their 1999 package. Packages, which start as low as $199 per person, include hotel accommodations, hotel taxes, two days admission to the festival, two days round-trip shuttle service to and from the festival, a Mississippi River cruise and more. Call toll free 1-800-380-FEST (3378) for more information.
LMNOP 1999 Music Conference will once again be held between the two Jazz Fest weekends April 25-28. Call (504) 592-9800 for more information.
Emerging Artists & Talent in Music (EAT’M), the sophomore entertainment industry conference, showcase and festival, will take place from May 19-22 in Las Vegas. For further information, contact the hot line at (702) 837-3636 or visit the web site at www.eat-m.com.
Welcome to the Future: Intune, based in Miami, Florida, has introduced the world’s first Automated Merchandising Store (AMS). Now music lovers can buy music for their car or house during the natural course of the day. Customers view 24 different selections through the smash-proof lexan window and sample the sounds with either the attached headphones and/or an audio dome (positioned above the machine projecting music down to the customers). The customer then simply inserts cash or a credit card, picks their selection and receives their product. Owners of the machines rave of its success. They love the idea of absentee entrepreneurship without the expense of salaried employees. Intune’s AMS machines can now be found nationwide. For additional information, call 1 (800)-6-INTUNE.
