French Quarter Fest – Friday

Day 2 of French Quarter Fest brought more nice weather, though things got dreary toward the end of the day foreshadowing the oncoming storm. And the latest oil spill in the river gunked up the banks and halted riverboat cruises and ferries. But, the day was terrific – starting with Cha Wa, a Mardi Gras Indian band. Lead singer J’Wan Boudreaux is the grandson of Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and is one of our city’s many reassurances that our music and culture are being passed down to a worthy generation.

We walked past the Aquarium for Avocado Toast ($7) along with Mango, Papaya and Melon with Lime Juice and Chili Powder ($6) from The Daily Beet. Then we indulged in a chocolate chip cookie with pork belly ($5) from Sobou and Chef Tory McPhail. Chef Tory is one of the many reasons Commander’s Palace is one of my favorite restaurants in the world (and I’ve eaten all over).

Love Evolution danced and sang with the river as their backdrop. I loved the photos and had a hard time choosing favorites. We arrived at Louisiana’s LeRoux in time to sway to New Orleans Ladies. I first saw the band perform the song in ’78 and have loved it since.

Bonerama always puts on a great show. They opened with their tribute to the recently departed Mr. Okra, the iconic owner of our city’s produce shop on a truck. The crowd went wild for their covers of Radiohead and the Allman Brothers’ Whipping Post. It’s still blows my mind the way the band turns their trombones into guitars and other instruments. Mark Mullins was joined onstage by his 14 year old son. Not only was he a talented guitarist, he had the confidence to play his guitar over his head.

We grabbed a quick plate of Crab Cakes served with remoulade sauce ($7) from The Blue Crab before heading to the Stooges Brass Band. They kept the crowd moving but things really kicked into gear when one of the guys jumped into the crowd to teach them the dance for Wind It Up.

Sadly, Saturday’s festivities have been cancelled for the massive storm heading our way. But we’ll be back out eating and dancing on Sunday!