This year the New Orleans Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with a program that is absolutely loaded with the sounds of music from here and beyond. I am especially excited about the premier of “Up From The Streets,” which is a comprehensive look at the origins and traditions of New Orleans music and the wide ranging influence it has had around the world. The festival opens on Wednesday night with a screening at the Orpheum followed by a second line to the party at Gallier Hall featuring the Original Big 7 Brass Band. Thursday you can catch a screening of the standout film Singular which chronicles the rise of Haitian American jazz singer Cecile Mclorin Salvant. This should definitely be one of the highlights of the festival. Check out the trailer below. I’ll be back next week with even more suggestions for the next week of the festival.
Singular_Teaser from Dennis Scholl on Vimeo.
Voice of the Wetlands
This weekend is the 16th annual Voice of the Wetlands Festival on the Ponderosa in Terrebonne Parish. You can stay and camp all weekend or just visit for the day – either way there are some great musicians booked in all weekend. Friday night is the big jam session with Jonathon Long, Tab Benoit, Eric Johanson and more. On Saturday there are featured performances by Charlie Wooton, Tab Benoit and Eric McFadden while Sunday features Johnny Sansone, Chubby Carrier and Mike Zito featuring the BB King Horns. All the proceeds go to support the foundation’s absolutely essential conservation efforts.
Also Going on This Week
Tonight, the outstanding young rockers Greta Van Fleet are at the Lakefront Arena while DJ Soul Sister Plays One Eyed Jacks and The Breton Sound plays the Hi Ho Lounge. Also tonight, you can catch Justin Townes Earle at the Parish at the House of Blues and Gal Holiday plays the late show at the Old Point Bar. Saturday, GRiZ plays the Fillmore while Bleep Bloop play Republic. Also on Saturday, Papa Mali is at Chickie Wah Wah and Tuba Skinny plays d.b.a. while Unknown Hinson is at Santos Bar. Sunday, the Hot 8 Brass Band are at the Howlin Wolf and Msechiya Lake is at Chickie Wah Wah with her trio while Hazel and the Delta Ramblers do a free afternoon set at Trinity Church. Monday, Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses are at The Maison and Big Sam’s Funky Nation is at the Maple Leaf while Charmaine Neville does two shows at Snug Harbor. Tuesday, The Weeks play Gasa Gasa While Tenacious D play the Fillmore and Alex McMurray is at Chickie Wah Wah. Wednesday, Banks is at the Fillmore and Danny Brown is at Republic while Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes are at the Maple Leaf. Also Wednesday, you can catch James Singleton and James Evans at the SideBar. Thursday, Alexis and the Samurai are at d.b.a. while the Gin Blossoms drop in at the House of Blues.
To Listen This Week
- Noah Jones and Mavis Staples have released their first studio recording together via Youtube
- Great new track from FKA Twigs return via Youtube
- Michael Stipe releases his first solo track eight years after the breakup of R.E.M. via CoS
