Herman Ernest Remembered at Down on the Bayou

Shows that bring together musicians who don’t normally play together are not unusual during Jazz Fest, but Down on the Bayou III seemingly brings together everybody at the Howlin’ Wolf Thursday, May 5 . The show is produced by JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic and benefits the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation, and the talent lineup includes Marcia Ball, Bonerama, Monk Boudreaux, Bo Dollis, John “Papa” Gros, Bill Kreutzmann, DJ Logic, John Magnie, Delfeayo Marsalis, Anders Osborne, Papa Mali, Irma Thomas, Big Sam and many more. (For the full lineup so far, see below)

Herman Ernest by Nunu Zomot

This year’s show is dedicated to drummer Herman Ernest, who passed away March 6 of cancer. In his memory, Joyce Ernest has established the NOMAF Herman Ernest Memorial Interfaith Health Screening Initiative, and a portion of the show’s proceeds will go to this initiative.

Tickets are $99 from the Howlin’ Wolf’s website.

The lineup so far: Dave Anderson, Marcia Ball, Russell Bastiste, Bonerama, Monk Boudreaux, Jimmy Carpenter, Tom Chute, Jack Cruz, Benjy Davis, Members of Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Chief Bo Dollis, Dave Easley, Sherman Ewing, John “Papa” Gros, Tony Hall, Col. Bruce Hampton, Taylor Hicks, JoJo’s Mardi Gras Band, Matt Jones, DJ Logic, John Magnie, Delfeayo Marsalis, Steve Molitz, Deacon John Moore, Ivan Neville, Christine Ohlman, Anders Osborne, Pimps of Joytime, Alfred “Uganda” Roberts, Khris Royal, Kermit Ruffins, Paul Sanchez, Reggie Scanlan, 7 Walkers featuring Matt Hubbard, Bill Kreutzmann, Papa Mali and George Porter, Jr., Irma Thomas, Johnny Vidacovich, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Raymond Weber, Wild Magnolias, Big Sam Williams, plus special guests.