There was a historic feel at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Center on Rampart St., in the evening of Saturday, September 15, 2018.  Two of the most important drummers in this city squared off there. Herlin Riley and Johnny Vidacovich, facing each other for the very first time, giving us a one-of-a-kind show that concentrated outlandish amounts of New Orleans talent on one stage, with the drummers at the forefront

“New Orleans is known for its trumpeters and its drummers,” justly noted Riley after rolling in the jam-packed foundation venue, tambourine in hand and wide grin on his face. The drummers were joined by a fittingly stellar cast of long-time collaborators, guitarist Steve Masakowski, bassist James Singleton and saxophonist Derek Douget.

The band played two sets in front of a delighted audience, while those who did not make it inside followed the action from a broadcast set up right outside of the building.

All photos by Noé Cugny.