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.  I hope you remembered your sunscreen yesterday and were not fooled by the perfect temperature and cloudy skies.

My hot picks, dedicated to Callie –

Ease into today with a bite to eat and a seat in Economy Hall for the 101 year old Lionel Ferbos.  Then there is the only in N. O. band Bonerama and the Panorama Jazz Band.  Throw in some Rebirth Brass Band, Jon Cleary, and the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band’s tribute Bob French, whom we lost this year.  If you are the sort to plant yourself in one spot, I present, for your enjoyment either Fais Do Do (Lost Bayou Ramblers, Dwayne Dopsie, and Andrew Bird) or Acura (Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, Allen Toussaint, and The Bard of Oyster Bay, Billy Joel).  Today’s “Who dat?” pick is Magary Lord of Bahia.

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.