Satchmo Summer Fest
Artist previews from the music festival that honors Louis Armstrong
By Staff Music WritersWhat a wonderful world the French Quarter is with the charming influence of New Orleans’ native son, Louis Armstrong, and Satchmo Festival honoring his legacy July 31-August 3, 2008. This annual celebration brings together some of the best local artists on four stages around the U.S. Mint, along with incredible seminars, a “Strut,” and even a “Red Beans & Ricely Yours” luncheon. For a complete schedule of all the events happening in the city during Satchmo Fest, visit www.fqfi.org.
Vavavoom - Contemporary Jazz Stage
Saturday, August 2 (12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.)
If New Orleans Gypsy Jazz is your pleasure, then Vavavoom is the perfect tonic to soothe your craving. The band has international roots and influences synthesized with a New Orleans jazz foundation. Their second CD Swingphonicity, a 16-song collection that rarely slows down enough to allow the listener to take a breath, was released in October of 2007. Listeners will find toe-tapping, up-tempo excitement from a band well versed in the influence of Django Reinhardt. –Craig Cortello
Papillion Kid Pirates - Children’s Stage
Saturday, August 2 (2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.)
Papillion is favorite musician and storyteller amongst the local kid’s music scene, capturing the hearts and attention of little fans and parents. His latest CD, Kid Pirates, is a treasure for both, especially since it seems like the pirate theme grows more every year in popularity. Papillion also has a beautiful collection of original music along with some very familiar Cajun and New Orleans classics. Papillion entertains the kids by interacting through musical storytelling, which will easily make the whole family smile on a long, hot day in the French Quarter. –Sheri McKee
Glen David Andrews & The Lazy Six - Brass Band Stage
Saturday, August 2 (3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Glen David Andrews has been the talk of the town since his stellar coming-out appearance at this year’s Jazz Fest. Since then, this extremely talented musician has been hitting the scene with local music fans buzzing about his dynamic performances, as he’s definitely one to keep your eye on. With a deeply rooted musical heritage, Andrews projects the knowledge and stage presence of a veteran, along with the youthful ability to capture the funky spirit and essence of New Orleans. His heart and love for this city is never-ending and his sound projects just that - a passionate love for the people and culture of New Orleans. -Sheri McKee
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tribute to John Brunious -
Stage
Saturday, August 2 (4:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m.)
Preservation Hall Jazz Band will honor their late bandmate and dear friend John Brunious with the classical style and flair that he was best known for musically. Many view Brunious as a distinct key propelling the popularity of Preservation Hall Jazz Band to reach a greater spectrum of audience, since he bridged together classic and contemporary styles by schooling Ben Jaffe and Clint Maedgen on traditional jazz, thus keeping the musical history and essence so well received and widely respected alive and timeless. The trumpeter is greatly missed and is another musical legend that will not be forgotten any time soon. - Kevin McKee
Dr. Michael White - Traditional Jazz Stage
Sunday, August 3 (5:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m.)
On the heels of his latest recording, Blue Crescent, and the distinguished National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship award, Dr. Michael White and the Liberty Messengers hit the stage at Satchmo Fest. Dr. White is equally competent as a practitioner and historian of traditional New Orleans jazz. What makes his music so refreshing is that he understands his obligation with respect to that genre - balancing the elements and lessons of his predecessors with the need to take the medium on an evolutionary journey. –Craig Cortello
Rick Trolsen & The New Orleans Po Boys-Contemporary Jazz Stage
Sunday, August 3 (11:00 a.m-12:15 p.m.)
Rick Trolsen has long been associated with Bonerama, but now he’s stepped forward and can be seen plowing down the local clubs with some of his incredible projects, including Neslort, Gringo do Choro, and now The New Orleans Po-Boys. Trolsen plays various styles with a master’s grace, always enticing the listener with his hypnotic beat. Trolsen’s musical infusions are quintessentially New Orleans in spirit, as listeners may often hear his trombone speaking in diverse conversations with the other instruments during a song, but always having the last say. Be sure to catch Trolsen’s vibrant love for the local music scene and capture some of his cultural jazz conversations. -Sheri McKee
Treme Brass Band-Brass Band Stage
Sunday, August 3 (5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m.)
Treme Brass Band showcases the essence of a traditional brass band in New Orleans, playing the classics and spicing them up with bit of modern flair. When this band starts with the bang of the street beat, get ready to wave your handkerchief in the air, grab the umbrella, and swing your hips to the strut of the second line beat that only this city knows how to create. These guys know how to get the party started and let the music take control of you. –Kevin McKee
Satchmo Summerfest Schedule
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
Where Y'at Stage
11:00-12:00 Tim Laughlin
12:15-1:30 Connie Jones Crescent City Jazz Band
1:45-3:00 Yoshio Toyama & the Dixie Saints
3:15-4:30 Chris Clifton & His Allstars
4:45-6:00 Preservation Hall Jazz Band Tribute to John Brunious
Brass Band Stage
11:00-12:00 Mo’LASSES, New Orleans’ (mostly) Women’s Brass Band
12:15-1:30 Storyville Stompers Brass Band
1:45-3:00 Rebirth Brass Band
3:15-4:30 Glen David Andrews & The Lazy Six
4:45-6:00 Soul Rebels Brass Band
Contemporary Jazz Stage
11:00-12:00 Magnetic Ear
12:15-1:30 Vavavoom
1:45-3:00 Phillip Manuel
3:15-4:30 Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs
4:45-6:00 NOTMC presents Jeremy
Davenport
Children’s Stage
11:00 – 11:50 Kids Program with the Treme Brass Band
12:00 – 12:50 Journey of the Drum wit Michael Skinkus and Sula Evans
1:00 – 1:50 Jamelle Williams & the New Orleans Slick 6
2:00 – 2:45 Papillion Kid Pirates
3:00 – 3:50 Ivoire Spectacle: Music of the Ivory Coast with Geguenon Kone
4:00 – 5:00 Props for Pops Tribute to Louis Armstrong with Charmaine Neville & Friends
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
Where Y'at Stage
11:00-12:15 The Last Straws
12:30-1:45 Lars Edegran’s New Orleans Jazz Band
2:00-3:15 Kid Simmons New Orleans Jazz Band
3:30-4:30 New Orleans Helsinki Connection featuring Leroy Jones
4:45–5:30 Randy Sandke Quintet
5:45-6:45 Dr. Michael White and the Liberty Jazz Band
Brass Band Stage
11:00-12:15 New Birth Brass Band
12:30-1:45 Living Legends Brass Band
2:00-3:30 The Original Pin Stripe Brass Band
3:45-5:15 Algiers Brass Band
5:30-6:45 Treme Brass Band
Contemporary Jazz Stage
11:00-12:15Rick Trolsen & The New Orleans Po Boys
12:30-1:45 Leah Chase
2:00-3:30 Sharon Martin
3:45-5:00 James Andrews & The Crescent City Allstars
5:15-6:30 Kermit Ruffins & The Barbeque Swingers
6:30-7:00 Props for Pops Trumet Tribute
Children’s Stage
11:00-12:15 Brooklyn 4 Jazz: Wade Barnes and Unit Structures
12:30-1:45 Red Hot Brass Band
2:00-3:15 Shad Weathersby
4:00-5:00 Baby Boyz Brass Band