As the summer really gets going in earnest, there are a couple of excellent smaller festivals to look out for and of course our sister festival—Bonnaroo just up the road in Tennessee. Things kickoff with The Oyster Festival at Woldenberg Park on the 1st and 2nd. In addition to the annual P&J Shucking Contest on Saturday, and the Acme Oyster Eating Contest on Sunday the festival boasts a full schedule of cooking demonstrations and musical performances. The Saturday lineup features Feufollet, Cha Wa, Maggie Koerner and Shamarr Allen with The Underdawgs. On Sunday, you can catch a little early gospel with Betty Winn and One-A-Chord who are followed by Amanda Shaw, The Bucktown Allstars, Brass-A-Holics and, finally, local favorites Bag of Donuts. Not only does Oyster Fest have a ton of great food and help fight the myth that oysters are only good during colder months, the proceeds go to benefit a number of coastal restoration efforts around the state.
A bit later in the month marks the return of the NOLA Caribbean Festival to Central City BBQ. This relatively young event (founded in 2014) has grown dramatically in the past couple of years, and celebrates New Orleans’ role as the northern-most Caribbean city. The main festival events fall on the 22nd and 23rd with the NOLA Color Me Krazy Carnival Parade on the 22nd. There are also a whole host of pre- and post-party events to look out for. Definitely check out the weekend wrap-up on the evening of the 23rd at Deja Vieux Food Park. This event features Inna Vision from Hawaii and Jamaica based DJ Megatron, in addition to a large assortment of Caribbean food and drink.
Finally, June always means the return of Bonnaroo to The Farm in Manchester, Tennessee. This festival has its roots in New Orleans, and the spirit of the city permeates the event, from its Dr. John inspired title to its satellite location of Snake and Jakes Christmas Lounge. In addition to a plethora of new experiences in the campground plazas and art installations, this year the festival is headlined by Phish, Childish Gambino, Post Malone, Odesza, The Lumineers, Cardi B and more. We’ll have a lot more information online as we get closer to the festival and of course the usual coverage as the event unfolds.
Must-See Music
June 3
Betty Who brings electro pop to Republic.
June 4
LANY dreams at the Joy.
June 6
Julia Jacklin and Black Belt Eagle Scout rock Gasa Gasa.
June 8
Anderson.Paak raps Champions Square.
June 10
FRENSHIP make the Hi-Ho move.
June 11
Caroline Rose rocks Gasa Gasa.
June 14
Sebadoh explore their garage roots at One Eyed Jacks.
June 15
Culture Abuse brings fuzz rock to Gasa Gasa.
June 19
Twenty One Pilots astound at the Smoothie King Center.
June 28
Steel Panther glams at the Saenger.
Dates are subject to change; email Mike@MyNewOrleans.com or contact him through Twitter @Minima.
