When asked if he’d been performing much of late, the affable Clarence Henry—who is one of the few artists performing at the Festival and the Ponderosa Stomp, replied, “I haven’t had time because of all the awards I’ve been receiving.” Henry listed a Big Easy Award, two awards from the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame (including a lifetime achievement award) and being honored by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

“Went to New York last February for that one,” said Henry, referring to the...