Donald Harrison and nephew Christian Scott
It’s a known fact that most jazz musicians like to look sharp on the bandstand, or “clean,” as it is called. Christian Scott, Donald Harrison’s teenage nephew, is no different. When his Uncle brought him up on stage, Scott came out dressed in a finely tailored, double breasted beige suit. After a tune in which Scott momentarily stole the show with a great solo, Harrison joked, “Next time you come on the bandstand, don’t be cleaner than me!”
—Jonathan Tabak
Notable Sit-Ins
Johnny Adams with George Porter Jr. on the Polaroid stage and with Aaron Neville plus the Zion Harmonizers in the Gospel Tent. Allen Toussaint with Mavis Staples. Trombonist Mark Mullins with the Iguanas. Legendary saxman Benny Golson during Donald Harrison’s set. Guitarist Peter Bernstein with Jesse Davis.
—Jonathan Tabak
The Assassination of Beatle Bob
For those hearty souls who got out there early enough to see Royal Fingerbowl’s April 26th show at noon on the Polaroid stage, the band made no attempt to hide the fact that they had not slept since their gig the night before. In fact, they were still drinking and carrying on. At one point they staged the assassination of Beatle Bob, the ubiquitous radio personality and Fest aficionado, who came out to get in on the fun. After he was lying on the stage, supposedly dead, the band eulogized him: “He was a great man, a man like no other…”
—Jonathan Tabak
Grandstand and Lagniappe Stage
The use of the newly-built Grandstand succeeded in every regard. Bands playing in the paddock had the pleasure of playing to a crowd sitting amongst flowers. Phil DeGruy, playing at the Lagniappe Stage, commented that the combination of the pleasantly dry weather and flowered landscape made it seem like Jazz Fest had been moved to California. Inside the Grand Stand, Jazz Fest visitors had the opportunity to escape the heat, soak up some air-conditioning and shade, and use actual restrooms, complete with sinks.
—Alex Oliver
Ernie K-Doe
At an interview with New Orleans R&B legend Ernie K-Doe, a fan asked K-Doe what his plans were for a new record. Before he could answer, his wife Antoinette answered as soon as someone makes the right offer with the right money, K-Doe is ready to go into the studio.
—Alex Oliver
John Fogerty
Even if he wasn’t actually “Born on the Bayou,” John Fogerty’s swampy Creedence Clearwater Revival classics—and his heartfelt solo material—fit the Fest like a glove. The massive throngs at the Ray-Ban stage helped Fogerty belt out every word to “Fortunate Son” and “Proud Mary,” and the presence up front of Allen Toussaint, the Radiators’ Dave Malone, Paul Cebar and Robert Mercurio of Galactic reaffirmed that Fogerty’s resurgence is much more than a rote trip down memory lane.
—Scott Jordan
Johnny Sansone’s Jazz Fest Debut
After being rained out last year, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone made his Jazz Fest debut count with a smart blend of harmonica-driven deep blues and accordion-sweetened swamp-pop and Gulf Coast R&B. It was obvious from the large crowd’s immediate reaction to Sansone’s Crescent City Moon material that he’s amassing a devoted national fan base, and the strength of two brand-new tunes, “Watermelon Patch” and “Comin’ For Sure,” is an indication Sansone’s star should only continue to rise.
—Scott Jordan
Mayor Morial
Taking a day off from the rigors of running New Orleans, Mayor Morial joined the closing second line parade on the last day of Jazz Fest, marching behind the High Steppers Brass Band and leading the Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians.
—Alex Oliver
