Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest

Crescent City Blues and BBQ fest in New Orleans, now in its fifth year, was a new fest for us this year. Held in mid October, it comes about a month after festival season wraps up in the Northeast giving us one last blast of summer music fun. The free festival is held in Lafayette Square park in the Central Business District of New Orleans, the same place where they hold weekly free concerts in the spring and fall (we usually catch Marcia Ball there on the Wednesday between jazzfest weekends.) Several hotels are close by, including the one we stayed at,so we could just walk there - it was so close it was almost like camping at a fest. With two stages scheduled, I was wondering how they were going to pull it off in this small park, but not to worry, the sets alternated so there was no down time between sets. We were camped out somewhere in the middle with a large group of friends so all we had to do was turn around after each set to catch the next one. And for most sets, it was easy enough to get up close when you wanted to.

Saturday started out with Honey Island Swamp Band (with an expanded horn section inclucing Derek Huston on Sax. Luther Kent put on a great show with a 10-piece band,and Anders Osborne with Stanton Moore trio was a highlight for me on Saturday. Taj Mahal closed out the fest Saturday - By the time he took the stage the crowd had swelled to maybe 3x the size... most of the other acts were New Orleans based so probalby a lot of locals came out later since they get to see the other artists all the time. But to us the whole fest was like an all star line up.

Sunday's lineup was ruled by women. Shannon McNally and Hot Sauce was a new discovery for me - I has never seen her with her full band, they have that kind of North Miss. ALlstars groove, and she has a strong voice. Barbara Lynn is an older blues guitarist/singer with lots of soul, she was another one I had never seen before. She rocks! Ruthie Foster closed out Sunday with a very strong performance, again, another one I had not seen with a full band, but her voice is so powerful it was electrifying. Jon Cleary and Mem Shannon were also very good, but somehow I missed Wolfman Washington w/Joe Krown - I must have been walkng around looking at crafts, or maybe stuck my head in the onsite sports bar they had set up under a tent , where Joe was watching the Saints game with a crowd of very enthused fans. THe crowd at the music fest was noticeably lighter on Sunday, and many more people came out after the game was over.

Several varieties of Abita beer were offered for sale, along with a full bar offering mixed drinks. Just as the music was not strictly "blues", the food was not strictly "barbecue",and along with the expected Ribs & Bbq chicken the menu included BBQ shrimp from Emeril's Delmonico restaurant,some Vietnamese and Jamaican fare, and the much drooled over Cochon De Lait po-boy sandwich, same as those served at Jazzfest. This more eclectic mix was expected, since The festival is presented by The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the same organization that helps to present the Jazz Festival that takes place every April/May, which as anyone who goes to that knows is not strictly Jazz by any means. The lineup reminded me of a really good day in the blues tent at Jazzfest, but with a much cooler atmosphere, minus the crowded feel, heat and rules that are part of that particular venue at Jazzfest. This was just a perfect festival this year - the weather, the lineup ,the setting - everything just fell into place. ANd because it is not so intense as Jazzfest, we had time to enjoy other things about New Orleans that we sometimes miss during the big Jazzfest, like go out to a some restaurants and clubs wihtout the huge crowds. I would definitely go back for it again.


this pic was taken during Ruthie Foster


and here's a link to some of my other
photos from this fest.

Rhythm and Roots 2010

With all the doom and gloom in the forecast about the impending hurricane Earl, we didn't head down to Ninigret shortly after dawn as usual, so we got gypped out of our traditional Friday afternoon feast, not to mention the relaxation/ catchup/ socializing time.. it was all about Earl! But I was glad that some friends, including one who was driving in from Ohio, inspired me to come down later on Friday rather than wait until Saturday. I mean if she could drive 10 hours from Ohio I could certainly make it from Providence....what's a little rain? (which is all it turned out to be..... we've seen much worse with no warning at Grey Fox and other festivals) Having all of Friday night's performances in the dance-tent worked out really well - the sets were a bit abbreviated but once you were there you didn't have to leave... and the rain was not constant anyway, there were a few breaks so you could make your way to food/beer/bathroom. The dance floor was beautifully decorated with Mardi Gras masks, was not too crowded and everyone had a defiant yet relaxed "what-me-worry" attitude. It was fun to be part of it.

Red Stick Ramblers ruled the dance tent - too bad they couldn't stick around longer. And Little Freddy King was a treat to listen to and watch with his natty suits and snappy dance moves. He also sat in with the Red Sticks, as did Jesse Lege for the Cajun portion of their set.




The next 2 days were sunny and breezy not a cloud in the sky nor drop of rain. Once the rest of our party arrived and settled in I went down to catch the end of Little Freddy King on the main stage, then Horace Trahan and New Ossun Express, the host band for the weekend. I don't remember ever seeing them before (except the previous night), although Horace had played here with DL Menard several years ago. They were really good with a driving zydeco sound, with the addition of saxophone and flute on some songs (both played by the same guy). They covered some Fats Domino songs and Ray Charles as well as traditional zydeco numbers like "MotorDude Special" and "Uncle Bud".

Bonerama in the 5 pm time slot was, to me, the highlight of Saturday. They opened with "War Pigs" and closed with "Helter Skelter", and funked it up big time in between. Lots of people were up and dancing - they just couldn't sit still for the funky 'bones. Steve Riley joined them for at least one song, another Fats Domino tune I think - seemed like I heard a lot of Fats Donmino songs over the weekend, performed by several different artists. I don't think it was intentional - everyone was just in that rollicking kind of mood. Marcia Ball - who I'd already seen twice this year so I took my time getting there, was spectacular as always, especially when she had the 'bones join her on stage. She is such a pro.

I was not so thrilled with the Texas Tornadoes. Not being all that familiar with the "old" version of the band, even though I had heard some recordings of them before, all the references to the past didn't really resonate with me. The performance seemed kind of forced to me, with the lead singer continually yelling out things like "alright Rhode Island!" between songs. More Fats Domino and Swamp Pop songs in the jam at the end with Johnny Nicholas, Marcia Ball, Steve Riley and others. It was not bad, I just felt that it was too much of a tribute to a past we have not experienced and perhaps could not fully appreciate.

After having seen Donna the Buffalo do a 2.5 hour jam in the dance tent at Grey Fox earlier this summer, I skipped their set at the end of the night to go find some people to jam with in the campground. There was a big tent set up with what sounded like it could have been recorded music but turned out to be a live band, Shaky Ground out of Worcester, I think. It was less of an open jam, more of them just running through their set list with some extra percussionists and some guest singers. It was funky and many people were drawn to it, but unfortunately the amplified instruments dominated the whole after hours scene both Saturday and Sunday nights. Now I am the LAST one to complain about after hours jamming, and even drumming which I have no problem with as long as the drummers have rhythm. Participating in these after hours jams is one of the highlights of the fest to me. But this setup was a little too much, and surprisingly, it went on well into the wee hours. I did find some of my other jam-buddies in different campsites doing the acoustic thing as is the norm, and I was able to join them. But every time someone would finish a song it was hard to get your head around the next song, what with "Mustang Sally" and other bar-band classics, each of which lasted for at least 15 minutes, blaring through the night. If any area club owners are reading this, please book "Shaky Ground" next Labor Day weekend. You and your patrons will definitely get your money's worth!

Sunday started out with Danny Barnes trio, which was cool. I'd never heard him play electric like that. Then some dancing to Horace Trahan, but I missed the Texas Sheiks - musta been talking to someone or getting something to eat or something. There is just not enough time for everything one wants to do at these festivals! Got back to see CJ Chenier, they always perk everyone up in the late afternoon. It was hot by now so I went for a swim. I could hear both CJ and the Poullards as I splashed around in the pond. Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women was the best set of Sunday, with their rocking good tunes. Everyone wanted to hear more but they were strict about sticking to the schedule and no encore was allowed.

I have seen Steve Riley so many times I did not catch his main stage set which followed Dave Alvin; instead I went to see the Occidental Gypsy Jazz band, which was different and fun, then went back to camp and got back for some of Donna the Buffalo. Then we went back to the dance tent for some more CJ while Robert Randolph band got set up. They had about a dozen guitars and a few of those pedal steels and a huge drum kit....impressive I guess but it takes a long time to set up. Robert Randolph band was very energetic and had a good groove going, though it was repetitive at times. At least they had a good stage show, switching around on instruments, and balancing on top of the pedal steel. Among the songs I recognized were the Stones' Hip Shake, the current single "If I had my way", with some vintage recordings dubbed in the background, Doobie Bros "0ld Black Water", some Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin riffs. The last set on the mainstage was definitley not a sleeper!

Closed out the night in the dance tent with Steve Riley & members of Donna the Buffalo. At this point the dance floor was filled, a smaller front section of jumpers and spillers gradually giving way to the couple-dancers moving in a circle. It was a big old jam and even went a little past curfew. All in all it was a wonderful weekend, it was great to see and hang out with everyone...and as usual it just went by too fast!

Here are a few photos from Sunday

And it used to be the Cajun festival / Rhythm and Roots on Labor day weekend was the last chance to jam for the year.. but now we have not one, not two but THREE festivals to choose from next weekend - The Pawtucket Arts festival in Slater Park Sat/Sun, The Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sunday in Fall River, and the new "Life is Good" festival in Canton, MA. Too many choices for the week after Labor Day! 2 out of those 3 are free but one has much bigger names...so you decide.

2010 Grey Fox

Grey Fox is the festival that inspired me to start this blog a few years ago and so I guess it is fitting that after returning from the 3rd year at Grey Fox on the Walsh Farm I return to this site which I have been remiss in updating - even though I have already been to a few other festivals this year (Jazzfest in New Orleans, Bayou & Boogie in Rehoboth, MA and Crawfish Fest in Augusta, NJ). Anyway, Grey Fox to me is more a state of mind than just another music festival where you run from stage to stage. From the moment I arrive on site, it's all about living in the present. What to set up and where? what to see? hear? eat? drink? do? Finding and connecting with old friends and making some new ones every single time. You don't need a TV to watch the weather forecast because you can see it coming in the sky, and when it gets there you just deal with it. I did not even take any pictures this year. I think I just never got around to it because photos are for remembering the past from the future, not for the present.

I arrived on Tuesday in the rain and set up a partial camp, played some guitar, ate some cold food because I didn't want to light my stove in the rain, and visited with some friends. The opportunity to be there before the masses arrive is one of the privileges of volunteering. On Wednesday I watched them roll in and waited around for other friends & family to arrive and fill out our camping area, not far from the dance tent. Late afternoon I visited with an old college friend who lives nearby and we passed a good time. The open mic in the dance tent on Wednesday night was a new feature this year and one that I hope will start a new tradition. It seemed to be really well run and kept moving and featured a variety of acts - some may have been established bands, some solo or duos, and some pickup bands who had been jamming together all week at the "Foxhole", the nearby run-up to GreyFox (I have not been there yet so I can't really comment but I hope to make it maybe next year.)

Thursday turned out to be the best day weather-wise.... hot and sunny but no rain. I didn't have to work til 7 so we spent part of the afternoon wandering the campgrounds looking to see where some other friends were set up. It was during this torpid stroll, while passing by a site inhabited by the "Flying Pigs" I overheard a line that made me smile: "Snowflake, what time is tie-dye?" That is the closest one gets to long range planning at Grey Fox! I wanted to go cool off in the creek in the woods bordering the campgrounds, but the part we tried to access was all taped off and I didn't feel like leaving the site, so we settled for a super-soaker battle back at our camp. That worked.

I couldn't make it to the tie dye at 6:30 so my friend graciously agreed to dip some garments for me so I would be properly attired the next day. From my post at the instrument raffle booth, where the festival sells chances on some very nice instruments to benefit educational programs such as the Kids' Bluegrass Academy and a scholarship program, I was able to hear Crooked Still, GreenSky Bluegrass and some of Donna the Buffalo, then caught the rest of their set from up the hill. Finished up the night with Planet Zydeco, who were much better than I remember from last time I heard them. After being reprimanded for talking in our "quiet" area next to the dance tent, we set off in search of more lively digs, and joined in some jams elsewhere.

Friday morning I had to work again, and got to hear all the mainstage bands who played short sets early. When I was through at around 3 pm, my husband had finally arrived with his friend, who set about grilling up some happy-hour shrimp and andouille just as the first rain-shower let loose while we listened to the music on the radio broadcast and also from the dance tent. I caught some of the Sweetback Sisters, fun retro style honky tonk, then just had to go up and see Del McCoury because the last few times they've been there it rained and I missed 'em. Loved hearing some of the old favorites, he always tries to accomodate everyone's requests, even though they have new material to play. "Forty Acres and a Fool" was my favorite, followed by "52 Black Vincent". I enjoyed Railroad Earth quite a bit, as I hadn't been in the mood for them last time I saw them at Crawfish Fest in June, but it seemed to fit better here. Donna the Buffalo finished up the night in the dance tent with with a record-breaking set that went 'til well past 2 am. Because we were in the "quiet" area... once again we set off in search of excitement elsewhere for fear of being talked to for talking. This time it was an "afterhours" club set up in the barn, illuminated by a spotlight that advertised "Club Silo", complete with giant disco ball under an oversized wooden guitar propped up in the loft. After a long and grueling trek to nowhere we ended up at another jam and I joined in a pre-dawn mando/banjo jam with my accordion, then closed my eyes just before sunrise.

Saturday morning I caught Rockin Acoustic Circus from the front row at the mainstage. What an amazing group of talented young musicians! The bass and cello player are brother and sister, and I don't think any of them are over 21 (except the guitar player who seems to be the director) The mando, banjo and fiddle players did some incredible trading off on a medley that stretched from Bach to Bluegrass. Then after that I left the site for the first time in 3 years and went with some friends to a nearby swimming hole that was a godsend! Nice cool waist deep water that was easy to get to down some natural stone steps. The rushing waters of the stream was a jacuzzi with no timer to reset, giving a full body massage. And then to top it all off a lone bagpiper appeared on the bridge above the stream, kilt and all, serenading the swimmers. Normally I am not a fan of bagpipes, but I appreciated this one, who actually knew more than the usual 2 bagpipe tunes everyone else always plays.

We stopped off for ice & refreshments before heading back to the fest, then I went back to selling raffle tickets while listening to the Wilders, the Greencards and Gibson Brothers, in-between battling two brief but violent storms that did nothing to cool us off but wreaked some havoc. I got word from the camp that some of our set up had not survived the onslaught, but at least the instruments and raffle tickets were safe! This was my busiest shift since the drawing was going to be that night. After that I got to see Kathy Mattea, who I really liked. I think she is probably more used to playing casinos and other such venues, and not accustomed to gazing out on a sea of tie-dyed hippies on a hill which inspired her to work a bit of "Kumbaya" into her set.

I returned to the camp for a bit of rest and was going to join Joe up on the hill for Tim O'Brien then Sam Bush, but it started raining again so we went over to the dance tent and were completely wowed by BlueSky Mission Club, a band that defies categorization, but that laid out some really funky grooves. Somesongs sounded a bit like Donna the Buffalo, but they had a guy on lap steel and electric guitar who did most of the singing too, and also a female singer, and a guy on rubboard. I had never heard of or seen them before and had no expectations of them but liked them a lot. More thunderstorms and lightning as we huddled in the camp, then when there was a break in the rain we made our way back to the dance tent where the Wilders throwdown that really was wild! Tim O'Brien and Sam Bush, whose mainstage set was cut short by the weather, were among the "and friends" that joined in , along with the Hillbenders. It was really quite the conglomeration, and even though we were way in the back - EVERYONE seemed to be there, due to the weather - we could hear fine and dance to it. When it was over no one was in a hurry to leave because the rain was still pouring down, not to mention some thrilling and hair-raising lightning....but at last we took the few steps to our camp, where we played a few songs (again trying to be "quiet"). Then around 3 am after it cleared up I strapped my accordion on my back and slogged through the mud in my big yellow boots and finally connected with my friends from Vermont who were jamming at a site called Camp Chaos.

Next day we packed up and checked out the last few sets including the Kids' Academy which is always fun to see.... dozens of fiddle players and few of everything else, all singing and playing in unison. This year they did Chris Thile's 'The Fox' which seemed like a good one for kids.... finally hit the road around 3 and got home by 8 just in time to cut grass. I always try to take a couple of days afterwards to re-adjust to the "real world" after spending nearly a week in this temporary town that forms every year in the hills of NY.

Now looking ahead to Lowell Folk Fest, followed by Newport Folk,then Podunk Bluegrass, all on different weekends this year so it might be possible catch at least some of each, before ending up the summer with Rhythm and Roots.