New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars play D.B.A. at 10 p.m. May 7th.Take the High Road Tour
Thursday, May 5, 9 PM
Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave., 895-8477
Take the High Road Tour, featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama, along with Jim Lauderdale and special guests Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, makes its way to Tipitina’s. Internationally recognized living legends of gospel music, The Blind Boys of Alabama have entertained audiences for more than sixty years with their inspired, spiritual songs. They formed in 1939 and began by playing in churches and stadiums across the country, but by the 1960’s they were performing benefits for Dr. Martin Luther King. In 1983, The Blind Boys of Alabama received their break by contributing music to the play, “The Gospel at Colonus,” which introduced them to a new fan base. Now the gospel singers have embraced popular culture by performing with well-known artists, such as Ben Harper and Bonnie Rait, and have successfully reached fans of all ages. The group is known to bring passion to each live performance, while engaging the audience in exalting experience. In addition to earning five Grammy Awards, The Boys have been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. -Suzanne Pfefferle
Whitney Zoo To Do featuring The Four Tops
Friday, May 6
Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo's largest fundraising event features great entertainment, spirits, food from the top local restaurants, a silent auction, a Lexus ES350 luxury car raffle, and even has The Four Tops playing as the headliner this year. The Four Tops are considered to be a classic American quartet achieving great success in Motown and R&B with hits like "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” "It's the Same Old Song", "Baby I Need Your Loving"and "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)." Proceeds from the 2011 Whitney Zoo-To-Do will help underwrite the creation of Audubon Zoo’s newest adventure, Twilight Zoo. The Zoo will extend its summertime hours and entertain families with evening activities such as animal shows, train rides and Cool Zoo splash park. For more information and tickets visit www.auduboninstitute.org/ztd .-Sheri Bleuler McKee
Toast-A-Rama Celebrating Trixie Minx's Birthday
Friday, May 6
Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St., 553-2299
The comedic sexy blonde bombshell of Fleur de Tease, Trixie Minx along with Her Bevy of Beauties will celebrate Trixie's birthday New Orleans style with a grand unforgettable toast 'round midnight. As the glitter dazzles in the air and neon lights up the evening sky, this club magically transforms into an intimate after-hours speakeasy where guests mingle, sip fabulous cocktails, and enjoy the sensual art of classic burlesque. A RSVP is required to get in since limited seating is available, but believe it or not there’s no cover when you send an RSVP to burlesqueballroom@gmail.com or call (504) 553-2331. Enjoy the classical styling's of real New Orleans burlesque on Bourbon Street at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse. -J.J.
9th
Annual Bayou Rendezvous featuring Papa Grows Funk with special guests
Friday May 6, 9 p.m.
The Howlin’ Wolf, 907 South Peters St., 529-5844
You might have spent a full minute trying to read the line-up for the 9th Annual Bayou Rendezvous this Friday night at the Howlin’ Wolf, trying take in just how many New Orleans musicians will be contributing to this night, but you don’t fully understand how amazing of a night this will be. Featuring some of the greatest names in the current New Orleans funk tradition such as Russell Batiste’s Papa Grows Funk and Phil Mason’s New Orleans All-Stars, there are additional jewels to be found such as Ivan Neville, the son to Aaron’s legacy. The same night as all of this happens at the Wolf, the Wolf Den will be packed with the up and coming Good Enough for Good Times, The Lee Boys, and Sunrise Breakfast Jam. If you love New Orleans music, you might already have this marked on your calendar, however, if this somehow slipped by attend and bring a camera because this night is going down in history. -John Valdespino
Marcia Ball
Friday, May 6
Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St., 866-9359
The delightfully charming and multi-talented Grammy Nominated Marcia Ball will have concert goers shaking their napkins in the air as she belts out the gospel of life playing tunes from her latest CD, Roadside Attractions. Ball is a songwriting diva in her own right, but when she gets up in the Maple Leaf, you can bet the place will be packed with blues infused rhythms that will light up the night. Ball’s vocals will mesmerize you and this genuine musical icon is a must-see in your lifetime as her performances are breathtaking at times from her soulful rawness. With lyrics that anyone can easily relate to, Ball’s philosophy on life will easily mirror your own. Be sure to catch this intimate show at the Leaf. –J.J.
John Boutte
Saturday May 7, 7 p.m.
D.B.A., 618 Frenchmen St., 942-3731
This Saturday night you can go see the voice of the theme song of Tremé, or if you are not out of town, one of the best Damn Jazz Vocalists in all of New Orleans. If you can’t tell by the first sentence who I’m talking about and you neglected to read the title of this preview, I’m talking about John Boutté, who you just can’t help but love as soon as he opens mouth. His combinations of showmanship, sweet disposition, and beautiful white smile are enough to permanently brand you a fan for life. If you haven’t seen him before, you would do well to catch up with the rest of New Orleans and see John Boutte at the D.B.A. and if you have seen him before then I will see you there Saturday at 7pm. -John Valdespino
Jazz Fest: Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, and Big Sam's Funky Nation
Saturday, May 7 Doors: 7 p.m., First Show: 8:30 p.m.
Mid City Lanes Rock 'n Bowl, 3016 S. Carrollton Ave.
Started long before the BP Oil Spill, Voice of the Wetlands is a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and protection of Southern Louisiana's lush marshes. VoW was founded by Houme native Tab Benoit. The group's All-Star band, which will be performing Saturday May 7th at Rock 'n Bowl, is composed entirely of Southern Louisiana natives. The band recently wrapped up a highly successful Western US Tour and has garnered much media acclaim and attention. Joining them at Rock 'n Bowl on the last weekend of Jazz Fest is Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, plus Big Sam's Funky Nation. Tickets can be purchased on Rock 'n Bowl's website and in person.-April Siese
New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars
Saturday May 7, 10 p.m.
D.B.A., 618 Frenchmen St., 942-3731
Oftentimes, the most exotic feature of New Orleans is found to be a special type of Jazz called Dixieland, but when you want something really different you go see Klezmer. Frankly, New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars were one of the best damn experiences of this particular Jewish Folk Music. Then there was a death within the band, (G-d rest your soul Wilbur) at which point those of us within the city hungry for Klezmer had no idea where to go. Well, a miracle has happened and the New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars are making a rare appearance at D.B.A. at 10 p.m. If you love to dance and you love folk music go. If you want something different tonight, then go. If you want to party tonight go. The combinations of traditional Klesmer and New Orleans funk are enough to make jump and shout. You certainly won’t see this at the Temple! -John Valdespino
Edie Brickell
Saturday, May 7, 8 p.m.
The Republic
During Jazz Fest there are always several shows at our favorite venues around town. It’s easy to attend the Festival and then keep the fun going by bouncing around to see the afterhours acts. Edie Brickell will be performing at The Republic this year. Best known for fronting The New Bohemians in the 90’s, Brickell will be performing in New Orleans giving music fans a taste of her soulful, folk style vocals. I remember being in middle school when I first heard the song “What I Am” by Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians. It’s such a cool and grooving song that listening to it made me feel cool. She may have been one of the first philosophical rappers, but of course she is a singer. Brickell reunited with the New Bohemians this millennium to put out another record in 2006 titled Stranger Things. In late 2007 Edie and her stepson Harper Simon formed the band The Heavy Circles. After that project Edie became the singer in a new band called The Gaddabouts, a folk band that she fronts from time to time. Currently she is on tour with The Gaddabouts, and is on her way to New Orleans. The band consists of seasoned musicians that are writing the perfect folk style songs for Brickell’s soulful croon. Make sure and see their performance this year at The Republic. –Brian Serpas
Eric Lindel
Saturday May 7, 1 A.M.
D.B.A., 618 Frenchmen St., 942-3731
Sometimes as New Orleanians, we are spoilt by the constant quality of music and far removed from National Trends like Singer-Songwriters because they can’t cut it in competitive community as New Orleans, but Eric Lindell has not only thrived but has been welcome in New Orleans with open arms by veterans Stanton Moore and Ivan Neville. Those credentials alone should let you know that he’s something and if you haven’t heard of him by now, maybe you don’t know New Orleans music as well as you thought you did. Either way, catch him at D.B.A. at 1 AM this Saturday Night (because even Sunday Morning is Saturday Night in New Orleans) and see what everyone is talking about. -John Valdespino
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
Sunday, May 8, 10 PM
Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave., 895-8477
“When we hit the stage, be ready for some of the nastiest, most serial crushin’ funk to ever come out of New Orleans.” This is a word of warning from Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk. The groovy group is known to perform such tunes as “Shake It Off,” “Turn This Thing Around,” and “Dumpsta Gras Dem Saints.” With each member bringing his own flavor to the music, the powerful combination becomes a phunky force to behold. Over the years, Dumpstaphunk has gathered a major following, and much respect, throughout New Orleans by appearing at clubs, Jazz Fest, and Mardi Gras events. And their popularity continues to grow. Special guests, Skerik, Orgone, and DJ Quickie Mart will also make an appearance. -Suzanne Pfefferle
