The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Thursday, April 25, 2024 with artists Alexey Marti, Cimafunk, John Boutté, Mokooomba of Zimbabwe, Papa Mali Trio, Revelers, Ronnie Lamarque, Stephen Marley, and Widespread Panic.
What a wonderful, colorful, and sunny way to open Jazz Fest 2024! I ventured straight into the heart of it all where the Cultural Exchange Stage was hosting a beautiful Colombian exhibition complete with costumes and crafts from Colombian artists. Local musicians Margie Perez and Pat Casey joined Michael Skinkus and Moyuba for mind-blowing folk tunes.
I took a long walk all the way around the grounds to get a feel for what it entailed this season, and I wound up at one of my favorite places, the Food Demonstration Stage. Though I really wanted to see what Chef Eric Cook of Gris Gris was going to expertly demonstrate, I was on a mission to get my meal of the day before the hungry crowds caused lines. Even though everything looked appetizing, I got my usual Gambian dish, Grilled Tofu in Peanut Sauce, conveniently located by the Congo Square Stage.
It was here that hometown favorites Brass-A-Holics treated me to a lunchtime serenade, and many others were enjoying them too. I loved the big, engaging band's mashups like Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" with a bounce beat.
Wanting to see a little bit of everything, I walked around the way and was lured over to the Gentilly Stage where I heard a familiar, albeit out of place, tune. I caught the last bit of Ronnie Lamarque's set beckoned by his stunning rendition of Vanilla Fudge's "Keep Me Hanging On," which he followed with The Stray Cats "Rock This Town." I was very impressed with Ronnie and his entire band, which must have numbered at least 15.
A strong breeze was blowing all day, but it wasn't quite enough to combat the spring heat. I cooled off with some Azteca spicy chocolate gelato that is a tad spicier than you think it is. It was a perfect complement to the spiciness of Corey Ledet's Zydeco tunes at the Fais Do-Do Stage. I also stuck around to watch the Native American dancers across from the stage.
That Cajun fire made me get another cold treat, the necessary WWOZ Mango Freeze at around 2 p.m. However, the festive flavor was not able to be toned down when I walked over to Javier Gutierrez & Vivaz at the Jazz & Heritage Stage. His Latin-inspired music compelled many in the entranced crowd to dance in ways that I can only dream about accomplishing.
The break-neck pace I had been running at all day caught up to me, honestly. I needed a long break, and Widespread Panic was the perfect way to do that with their long, funky tunes that allow you to just chill out. Indeed, there were many people there just to see them as evidenced by the walking Widespread shirts I saw all day. I feel like this band was made for events like this. Of course, after letting my mind wander and body relax for some time, I almost missed seeing the Beach Boys.
I've always wanted to see this band as I've heard their fun, catchy tunes my entire life. I wish I could have gotten closer, but the nostalgia still took hold from way in the back. The iconic harmonies were on point for every song, including "Little Deuce Coupe" and "409." They surprised me with the cover of "And Then He Kissed Me." I loved seeing the Beach Boys playing their big hits that I've only ever heard floating through car speakers. And did I mention the addition of John Stamos? The actor has always had a connection to the band since his Full House days. He switched between the drum kit, the bongos, and guitar effortlessly, and that was an awesome thing to experience.
