NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Welcome to fest week! I know you’ve started to figure out your cubes by now, but I thought I’d add to your confusion by giving you my top 5 picks for Day 1.
Hot 8 Brass Band
For starters, Quint Davis and the team pulled a big rabbit out of the hat by starting the first day of the fest with one of the biggest catches to open the Congo Square stage: The Grammy-nominated Hot 8 Brass Band roll from 11:25-12:25 p.m. For fest nerds that love to be there at the opening bell, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Flow Tribe
As if that wasn’t enough to get your juices flowing, our other homeboys Flow Tribe rock the Gentilly Stage Friday from 12:20-1:20 p.m., immediately followed by Cowboy Mouth, who’ll rock the place until 2:40 p.m.
Dwight and Connie Fitch
On your way to getting a crawfish bread and strawberry lemonade (eat it while you walk), head to the Gospel Tent for the incredible St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir led by the dynamic husband and wife team of Dwight and Connie Fitch. This 7th ward outfit of beautiful harmonies and spirituals is not to be missed.
Michael McDonald
Finally, the big Acura Stage plays host to 2 acts that are masters of the ‘cool groove’. Michael McDonald hits at 3:35 followed immediately by Steely Dan. That should be a great way to wrap up day 1 of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, with something left in the tank for the remainder of the weekend.
Ok, I admit it’s more than 5, but bear with us- it’s fest time!
