There’s a reason we refer to this time of the year as ‘Jazz Fest Season.’ It comes with the implication that what goes on during this magical season goes well beyond what is seen, heard or tasted on the Fairgrounds in the morning and afternoon. This city doesn’t stop, it has one of the liveliest nightlives in the country, and it tends to explode when the big fest rolls around. The local scene comes out in splendor, and is graced with distinguished guests from all over.
Let us take you down our restless adventure through Jazz Fest after shows…
It all started on the first Friday, when Tipitina’s topped the festival kickoff with a pure, essential New Orleans cocktail of a line-up. The Soul Rebels stormed the historic stage with a fiery blend of brass band music and hip hop…
The Soul Rebels at Tipitina’s,
Friday, April 27, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
Once the Soul Rebels concluded their set with an explosive rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright,’ there was no turning back. Intensity levels were only going to go up with Big Freedia and her crew of dancers, solidifying bounce as a prime New Orleans artform.
Big Freedia at Tipitina’s
Friday, April 27, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
…But the craziness wasn’t quite ready to cease yet. Not without the bombshell that is Tank & the Bangas, finally back in New Orleans after months of touring around the world. Overcoming a couple sound issues, the Bangas banged out a high-octane set topped with a grand finish featuring all headliners of the night together on stage. (See photos in full gallery)
Tank & the Bangas at Tipitina’s,
Friday, April 27, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
What a brilliant job the people of Three Keys at the Ace Hotel have done putting together a cosmic schedule for their “Six of Saturn” concert series during the Fest. Saturday night, it was the genius of keyboardist Robert Glasper that was on full display there.
Robert Glasper at Three Keys,
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
… and before you know it, rapper Common who was coming off a concert at the Fest’s Congo Square, took the stage, commending attention with hours of freestyling and classic choruses of his.
Common at Three Keys,
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
…talk about a backup band for Common… Joining Glasper was the world-class drummer Chris ‘Daddy’ Dave as well as the kickass Burniss Travis on bass. Pictured here is Chris Dave beating the snare and camera’s shutter speed at the same time.
Chris Dave at Three Keys,
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
Spending all day in the sun at the fest grounds and all night chasing late shows will have you see things differently. Here the set up of DJ Jahi Sundance who travels with Glasper and brought the classic beats to Three Keys.
Jahi Sundance at Three Keys
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
Late night means late night. This show at One Eyed Jacks on Monday night didn’t take off until 3am. The peculiar MonoNeon didn’t seem to mind one bit.
MonoNeon at One Eyed Jack’s,
Monday, April 30, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
…neither did John Medeski. The grand master of organ weirdness squared off with the funky Robert Walter for this double-organed, heavy funk late set.
John Medeski at One Eyed Jack’s,
Monday, April 30, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
…but the weirdness was magnified by magical night creature and perfect blend of crazy and funky, saxophonist Skerik, with all his electronically thwarted vocals and sax grooves.
Skerik at One Eyed Jack’s,
Monday, April 30, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
Following Skerik down the path of oddities, I landed at his SauceFest event on Thursday night, where he gathered a monstrous community of musicians to create music that entirely improvised, hectic and beautiful sounds from the guts of New Orleans’ experimental scene.
Helen Gillet at Hi-Ho Lounge,
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Photo by Noé Cugny
Speaking of local scene, a much different side of it — yet just as brilliant — showed up at Siberia on the second Saturday. The night kicked off with the gentle folk sounds of the Tumbling Wheels.
Joanna Tomassoni of the Tumbling Wheels, at Siberia,
Saturday, May 5, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
At the forefront of this young local scene, Tasche De La Rocha’s Psychedelic Roses, bringing their ever-growing sound.
Tasche De La Rocha at Siberia,
Saturday, May 5, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
Capping it off was a mix of catchy and soulful originals from another young and eager band led by vocalist Maggie Belle, who just had their fest debut at the Lagniappe Stage.
Maggie Belle Band at Siberia,
Saturday, May 5, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
…And we have come full circle. From the first Saturday to the wee hours of the second Sunday’s morning, back at Tipitina’s where the raging Greyboy Allstars performed. Once again, the exhaustion that goes with all the jazz fest running around tends to show in the visuals.
Karl Denson of the Greyboy Allstars at Tipitina’s on Sunday, May 6, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
… and we meet again. Robert Walter, towering over his spaceship made of organs, keyboards and synthesizers, funky and singular as ever.
Robert Walter of the Greyboy Allstars at Tipitina’s,
Sunday, May 6, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
One lat look over the shoulder as the Greyboy Allstars prepare to put the last nail in another wonderful jazz fest season’s coffin with the distant promise of many more. I see the light…
Greyboy Allstars at Tipitina’s on Sunday, May 6, 2018,
Photo by Noé Cugny
…Take a further dive with full gallery:
