The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with performing artists Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys, Sweet Crude, La Insistencia Norton, Alexey Marti, Son Rompa Pera Featuring Gil Gutierrez, Big Sam Funky Nation, Alfredo Rodriguez, BeauSoleil Avec Michael Doucet, Luke Combs, and Calpulli Tonalehqueh Aztec Dancers performing at the New Orleans Fair Ground and Slots on Friday, May 2, 2025. #jazzfest2025 #jazzfest #music #jazz #whereyatnola2025.
Jazz Fest on May 2, 2025
by Emily Hingle
The overcast light and stiff breeze were so forgiving for the second Jazz Fest Friday. It was perfect weather to be able to see the surroundings without the use of sunglasses and no sunburns to avoid.
After making the rounds to say hi to the usual people, I set off alone to let the music find me. The Rhythmporium often holds something that I find intriguing. Quique Escamilla did not disappoint. The quartet hauling from Canada and Mexico was divine. Upbeat, cool, a little bit of ska edge with the trombone, and a touch of Latin kick. JUNO Award Winner Quique Escamilla made the crowd applaud especially loud when he stated messages of unity including, "We only have one planet, one race: the human race."
I always enjoy stopping by the Native American Circle to see the presentations. Tlen Huicani with Ballet Folklórico Universidad Veracruzana presented by the State of Veracruz was quite the show. The dancers of Veracruz were flawless, twirling around in spotless white clothing that stood out against the canvas of grass and fest shirts.
Son Rompe Pera drew my attention to the Jazz and Heritage Stage as I was eyeing some Fried Cauliflower. The down, dirty, dive bar rock 'n' roll was enticing. Maybe it was the hot guitar, maybe it was the unexpected xylophone, maybe it was the shirtless, heavily tattooed musicians, but this was an incredible set. I found out later that this outfit from Mexico describe themselves as Monsters of Marimba, which is absolutely true. One of the shirtless players got really into the xylophone during his long solo when everyone else left the stage, sweating, headbanging, even kneeling to the ground with the instrument above his head. It got almost frantic at times. As the other players slowly came back and joined the frenzy, a be-masked man gyrated 'round the stage. Other musicians joined in for the last song; I'm pretty sure there were 17 people on stage for it. The inclusion of brass instruments, more drums, and lots of singers made this a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
I swung by the Cultural Exchange Pavilion for just a few minutes, where La Insistencia Norteña were inspiring their fans to dance with partners or just by themselves. I could just hear the strings start up for The Fabulous Thunderbirds hitting at The Blues Tent and had to leave. I made it just in time for the start of the blues-rock outfit's hit "Wrap It Up." Kim Wilson looked like a trophy in his fancy gold shirt, and his harmonica playing was hot. The band played some Louisiana-style tunes with rolling piano accents and funky beats. That signature honky-tonk rock about frustration in love, heart-pounding desire struck a chord, and I'm not talking about the stellar punchy guitar solos.
I was soon off to The Gentilly Stage for the closing act of the day. Though she's often found on tour, I've yet to see Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. The grassy area that the veteran festers take up was almost serene. There was so much space between tarps and chairs in the back area that I could walk with my arms outstretched. I don't think I've ever done that before. The relaxed atmosphere was a contrast to Joan's raspy voice (which has not changed at all since her earliest recordings) and rough guitar tone. She played several songs from throughout her long career that have not gotten the fame they deserve like "Lie To Me," which they haven't played much since its release in the early '90s, according to Joan. She played "Androgynous" for Paul Westerberg of The Replacements—a poppier, somewhat comedic tune. She played one of my personal faves, "Love Is Pain," before going right into her biggest hits "I Love Rock n' Roll" followed by "Crimson and Clover."
