It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  No Andy Williams, not Christmas, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the unchallenged greatest music and culture event on the planet.  People say it is the coolest sloppiest Fest on record… maybe, but the music and the spirit of the guests are warm and welcoming as always.

My hot picks, dedicated to Callie –

If you are planting yourself in 1 spot, make it Fais Do-Do (Goldman Thibodeaux, Red Stick Ramblers, Yvette Landry, Chubby “There Ain’t No Party Like a Chubby Party” Carrier, Little Willies, and Sunpie). A unique way to get things going is with the N. O. Bingo Show.  I love me some Roddie Romero and how about the superband Fleur Debris.  Busy time around 3 with Sharde Thomas Fife & Drum, Boutte’ Family Gospel, and Eric Lindell.  By now you better be awake for the next wave – Galactic, Davell Crawford, and the Joe Krown Trio.  Wrap it up with Los Lobos, and there are rumors that most of the popularly known Fleetwod Mac will be closing out Acura.  On that note, beware there have been some minor changes to the schedule on that stage today.  Today’s “Who dat?” pick is Male Debale of Bahia-Brazil.

Remember to practice the “Walk By”, stroll by the many different stages to see bands that you have never heard of for a song or two.  I promise that you will discover something fabulous you never even know existed.

One other thing LA culture lovers, the latest issue of Louisiana Kitchen and Culture (MyLouisianaKitchen.com) has hit the stands and is available at Rouse’s and other fine local establishments.  Enjoy my story in it about a Saturday Night Fish Fry – the song, not the meal!