JazzFest Day One: Eatin’ Crawfish In The Rain

Posted: April 24th, 2010 | Filed under: Culture, Music | 1 Comment »

“Well, it rained real hard/ And it rained for a long, long time.”

“Thunder and lightning/ Very, Very Frightening.”

Catch my drift here?

Okay, one more for Lou Christie.

“Lightning is striking again!”

When it rains in New Orleans, it doesn’t mess around. Rain drops as big as your fist, I’m tellin’ ya. Which is not to mention that the Fairgrounds Race Track, where the festival is held, is set up so the run off drains to the infield.

Muckus maximus!!!!!

No matter. The show went on. A few rain drops on your shrimp and grits? No biggie. Suckin’ crawfish heads in the rain? Sublime.

Thank you garbage bags and Gore Tex. While many unprepared folks headed for the exits. Most stayed. A lot went to the tents. A lot donned their garbage bags, grabbed another libation and partied on, Garth. If you’re an accountant from Des Moines and you’ve just finished tax season and the one thing that carried you through was JazzFest, you are not going to let a simple deluge deter the bon temps roulez. You’re more likely to chuck your wet cotton t-shirt and boogie down.

There were some casualties. My cellphone died from the wet. Even the hair dryer trick didn’t work. So too, the Film Babe’s. Double trouble.

Today: Mo’ rain. Did I mention there’s a Tornado Watch?

* * * * *

You’ve probably never heard of Dave Egan.

Hell, I’d never heard of Dave Egan until the first Fest after Katrina. He’s from Shreveport with a smoky voice perfect for swamp pop. That’s what they call Louisiana rock & roll down here.

Once again Egan stopped me in my tracks to start the day. Easy but insistent.

You’ve probably never heard of Glen David Andrews either.

Hell, I’d never heard of him until yesterday.

You might know his cousin, Trombone Shorty. Who isn’t so short, but is a rising musical superstar in this town. Both those Andrews boys play the ‘bone. That’s the kind of place this is, kids grow up wanting to play trombone. Way more than 76 of ‘em in New Orleans.

Andrews invited “cousin” Amanda Shaw up on stage to add her fine fiddle to the mix. This is no longer the cute little Amanda Shaw we first heard at the Kids Tent just a few years back. The mini-skirted talent is, as they say, “all growed up.” She can bring fire to the mountain.

Listening to this mostly horn conglomeranza break into Hendrix’ “Voodoo Chile” was one of the day’s highlights.

Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal rocked through the rain drops at Congo Square. Dr. John & the Lower 911, his current contingent, laid out some primordial gris gris at the Gentilly stage.

Kenny Neal and Wanda Rouzan enchanted in the Blues Tent.

And mo’.

* * * * *

Jim Harkness is in the house. At least that’s what his krewe that I shared an elevator ride said.

“Harkness called last night, said he’s coming.”

“You kiddin’ me?”

“Nope. Said he closed the deal. Is hopping the red eye. But has to leave on Sunday to get back to L A.”

“That’s Harkness. Always needs to make a big splash at the big scene.”

“Then he’s outtahere.”

Hope he brings rain gear for his cellphone(s).

---