The clouds carried the gloom of overshadowed distances. It didn’t take a lifer jib dancer to sense that bad, bad weather was coming. But the Festers came and so did the musicians. Never was it better luck than Deacon John enjoyed offering tribute to B.B. King on the Acura stage in what was slated to be a legendary day. The Soul Rebels followed suit, then Jon Batiste & Stay Human.

Across the track the great Paul Sanchez rocked out with an All-Star Rolling Road show including Alex McMurray, Lynn Drury, Susan Cowsill, Debbie Davis, Kimberley Kaye, Craig Klein et al. Sweet Crude followed with a strong, well received set in reasonable weather, but by the time Alynda Lee Segarra and Hurray for the Riff Raff hit the stage the lightning was really getting frightening. Time to batten down. Dr. John made it through a half dozen songs back at Acura before they pulled the plug.

Meanwhile Big Freedia rocked the house at Congo Square. What rain? Roy Rogers stoked his own fire at the Blues Tent. Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and the Wild Magnolias played through the deluge at the Heritage Stage. Then all hell broke loose and it started raining frogs. Stevie Wonder was so ready to play he got a bullhorn and sang “Purple Rain” to those who still hadn’t left. But Jazz Fest was closed and people scattered. The broadening waters flowed through…