Putting on an event during Jazz Fest can be a risky move for promoters and musicians alike. With so many shows taking place during the days surrounding the festival, it’s difficult to do something that stands above the fray.
So when Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Andrew Duhon got to planning his own gig in 2014, he came up with a interesting idea for capturing a larger audience. That idea has since turned into BreakFest, a pre-Jazz Fest gathering that mixes brunch, music, yoga and even haircuts.
“I didn’t want to compete with the healthy spread of post-fest events, and after all, my music doesn’t cater to the late-night party.,” Duhon says. “With Jazz Fest folks always looking to maximize their fest days, I imagined a fuel-up event complete with music, coffee, mimosa’s, Bloody Mary’s, and brunch. When I came up with the name, BreakFest, I realized it just might be the first pun I’d conjured worth more than an eye roll.”
BreakFest—which really is a fantastic pun—will return to Bayou Beer Garden on both Sundays of Jazz Fest: April 30 and May 7. Now in its second year at the popular Mid-City bar and restaurant, the event will feature performances from a variety of New Orleans artists, with a buffet style brunch from Chef Virginia Demarest of Bayou Wine Garden included in the price of admission (Breakfast of Champs ticketholders get bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys too).
April 30 will showcase performances by Aurora Nealand, Kristin Diable and Paul Sanchez, while May 7 will showcase Nealand, Alexis & The Samurai and Andrew Duhon. Their sets will take place at 10am, 11am and noon, respectively.
In addition, Nola Tribe Yoga will lead yoga classes along Bayou St. John on both days at 9am. Coffee will be handled by Monkey Monkey, Big Easy Bucha will provide kombucha, and pastries from The Station Coffee & Bakery will be available as well. The Parker Barber Shop will also be on hand offering complimentary cuts and shaves.
“What more could your morning routine ask for? The Sunday Paper? You got it. The Advocate will be providing your Sunday paper right there on the tables,” says Duhon. “The music, of course, is the entree, and I’m honored to have several of my friends down to join in on the event, and frankly, I’m thankful that they’re willing to wake up to play this thing.”
“I’m confident BreakFest ’17 will outdo ‘16 rain or shine,” he adds. “After all, it’s the most important meal of the year!”
Tickets for BreakFest are now on sale. More information on the event, including a look at the brunch menu, can be found via its website.
