Gleason Gras, Downriver Festival & Burger Fest

My family is safe after Hurricane Irma but it was a long, scary weekend. Luckily, New Orleans always has plenty of distractions. Friday, I performed with the Pussyfooters at 7th annual Gleason Gras. Presented by former Saint, Steve Gleason, and What You Give Will Grow in the Superdome’s Champions Square, the event raises awareness and money for ALS and the Gleason Family Trust. The show included Jon Cleary, Colin Lake and Rebirth Brass Band as well as performances by the 610 Stompers and the Pussyfooters! We danced, ate, took photos with the Lombardi trophy and had a great time for a great cause.

Saturday was a 2 Fest day. First was Downriver Festival, celebrating the cultural and environmental impact of the Mississippi River region. Soul Brass Band played as DancingMan504 and Spidey504 put on a show under a shady tent next to the U.S. Mint.

Glen David Andrews kicks off Armstrong Park Thursdays

The People United for Armstrong Park concert series began its 5th season with Treme’s own prince, Glen David Andrews. French Quarter Fest, the free 4 day local music and food extravaganza, just ended on Sunday. Days later, Billy Iuso and Honey Island Swamp Band played Wednesday at the Square, a free concert series. (I was stuck waiting on the Cox cable guys). And now, Thursdays in the Park are back – more booths of food, cocktails and crafts and more free music!

Halloween Concert/Parade and Willie Mae’s Chicken

Working on the theory of “better late than never,” here’s how we spent Halloween last week. New Orleans has too many festivities to choose from but I didn’t want to miss the last Jazz in the Park concert from People United for Armstrong Park. Bonerama played early but I got the the park in time to see Da Truth Brass Band preparing the way for Kermit Ruffins to take the stage. Ruffins played beautiful ballads like What a Wonderful World as well as an upbeat medley of songs including Do Whatcha Wanna and The Treme Song. When he busted out the Stevie Wonder, the crowd created a Soul Train dance line and boogied down the center, many in costumes. (video below)