Chairlift:

Full Set

Night Jewel:

Full Set

All photos by Josh Brasted

Jazz Fest can be a confusing time in one’s life. You’re overwhelmed with excitement. You want to have a good time, but you want to look cool, but you want to be comfortable. How will you accomplish all three? Never fear, we’ve got your backs.

Art/Official Guide to Jazz Fest

Chapter 3: What to Bring

-Sunblock

Obviously, we’re gonna pray for sunshine during Jazz Fest. However, between relishing in great music and indulging in New Orleans cuisine, it’s easy not to realize exactly how hard that sunshine is beating down on you. Don’t be that blotchy kid with the blistering sunburn—pack some SPF 30 and reapply, reapply, reapply.

-Comfortable Shoes

If you’re really enjoying Jazz Fest, you should be moving from stage to stage, tent to tent. You should see a band, get some food, buy some crafts, see another band, get some more food, and repeat this process until you’re the last person at the Fair Grounds and the police are telling you that you have to go home now, it’s May 8^th.  Jazz Fest has ended. This means a lot of walking, standing, and (if you’re doing it right) dancing.  This also means some achy feet. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. And Ladies, for goodness sake, leave your heels at home.

-Good Company

We can’t stress enough the importance of going with a good group of friends to such a huge festival. This doesn’t mean just a few chummy co-workers—choose your entourage wisely. Does Ashley get whiney without her midday nap? Does Brittany get short-tempered when she’s overheated? Is your best bro Chad exclusively into dubstep, and just “doesn’t get” these live instruments and floral-clad concert goers? Ditch ‘em, ditch ‘em all. Bring pals who love joyously dancing to rowdy horns and slide guitars, who won’t mind a little heat and who view a sweaty crowd of strangers as an opportunity for new friends.  We also suggest not going with too many people, as so many humans are hard to manage, especially with sporadic cell service in such large crowds.

-Cash Money

Did you know that over sixty restaurants participate in New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival? There are also tons of different tents where local and nationwide artisans sell their work, showcasing handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces that express New Orleans’s rich cultural history. Don’t come with a five-dollar bill in your pocket, because you’ll only regret it later. Grab some Crawfish Etouffee, buy some handmade jewelry, and enjoy yourself.

-As Little Clothing as Possible

We’re talking springtime in New Orleans here, folks. Shit gets hot—dress accordingly. No pants, no boots, no long-sleeved shirts. Ladies, thin dresses or crop tops are always a smart idea. Last year I wore a crop top and still ended up shedding it in the New Orleans heat (be prepared: wear cute underthings). Guys, shorts and a tank are key, even if you know it’s going to be shirts off o’clock by the second band.

By Polly Sawabini

Delta Spirit:

 Full Set

Waters:

Full Set

All photos by Josh Brasted

Portugal. The Man:

Full Set

The Lonely Forest:

Full Set

Big History:

Full Set

All photos by Josh Brasted

Chapter Two: Who to See (Second Weekend)

Thursday, May 3^rd

Headlining: Eddie Vedder’s replacement, Florence & the Machine, Esperanza Spalding

Flow Tribe: Gentilly Stage, 11:25am-12:15pm

A Flow Tribe performance doesn’t allow for your typical laidback, side-swaying crowd. Comin’ atcha with a barrage of funk, Flow Tribe’s “backbone cracking music” always incites a rowdy dance party that you won’t wanna miss.

George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners: Gentilly Stage, 2pm-3:05pm

An original member of The Meters, George Porter Jr. takes the stage with his long-term project, Runnin’ Pardners. Come find out why Porter is considered one of the founding fathers of funk—an absolutely must-see show.

Friday, May 4^th

Headlining: Zac Brown Band, Rodrigo y Gabriela

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals: Acura Stage, 3:25pm-4:35pm

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals are bringing back that sensual rock & roll we’ve all been craving for far too long. Their raw talent radiates through bluesy melodies and Grace Potter’s powerfully seductive voice—think the Stones meets Turner meets Joplin meets the best sex you’ve ever had.

Mavis Staples: Gospel Tent, 4:50-5:50pm

Legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples has won every achievement award under the sun, including being named one of VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll and Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. With an over 60-year career under her belt, the R&B icon continues to own the stage with her gripping, soulful voice and her remarkable presence.

Hot 8 Brass Band: Jazz & Heritage Stage, 5:50pm-7pm

Hot 8 Brass Band is quintessential New Orleans street music. Playing in Second Lines every Sunday, the band infuses their own funk and energy into every vivacious performance.  If you want to absorb a little authentic NOLA, don’t miss ‘em.

Saturday, May 5^th

Headlining: The Eagles, My Morning Jacket, Ne-Yo, Herbie Hancock, Levon Helm

Big Sam’s Funky Nation: Congo Square Stage, 1:55pm-2:55pm

A band with a song entitled “Shake that Funky Donkey” is bound to impress. BSFN definitely does not disappoint—bandleader and trombone powerhouse Big Sam Williams captivates audiences with his relentless talent and irresistible charm. Show us what you got—go shake it with Big Sam’s Funky Nation.

Anders Osborne: Gentilly Stage, 2:05pm-3:05pm

Anders Osborne is originally Swedish, but his sound is All-American. Combining blues, rock, and Crescent City funk, Osborne’s got that dirty Southern rock vibe that’ll make you wanna groove at his shows, then have a drink with him after.

Sunday, May 6^th

Headlining: The Neville Brothers, Preservation Hall, Foo Fighters

The Bounce Shake Down feat Big Freddia, Katey Red, Keedy Black, and DJ Poppa: Congo Square Stage, 2:35pm-3:25pm

A cross-dressing, ass-shaking, crowd-pleasing, hiphopsissybouncedancefestextravaganza. Words won’t do it justice. Go see it.

Also checkout Funky Meters, Galactic, and Rebirth Brass Band!

See you next week for Chapter Three (What to Bring).

Article by Polly Sawabini and Gabby Stewart

KISS:

For more photos visit Josh’s Flickr

Ben Folds:

Minus the Bear

For more photos visit Josh’s Flickr

Ben Folds Full Set

Minus the Bear Full Set

Yes, we know it’s only March, and most people are either recovering from Spring Break or anxiously awaiting it. But here in New Orleans, no five day trip to the beach even compares to our excitement for the two-weekend long extravaganza happening at the end of April: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Gather all ye sunblock and flowy tops, because Jazz Fest is just a few short weeks away. Spread over ten days and hosting over 100 artists on twelve different stages, Jazz Fest is no doubt one of the most anxiously awaited festivals of the year. We know the size and sheer awesome-ness of such an event can be a little intimidating, so we’ve compiled a few handy tips on who to see, what to bring, and above all, how to make the most of your Jazz Fest experience. Here it is, your Art/Official Guide to Jazz Fest. 

CHAPTER ONE: Who to See (First Weekend)

Friday, April 27

Headlining: The Beach Boys, Bon Iver, Steel Pulse, Buckwheat Zydeco

GIVERS: Gentilly Stage, 3:45pm-4:45pm

Self-proclaimed “afro-beat, dancey pants, indie pop love music”, GIVERS incorporates quick rhythms and dreamy vocals that have been compared to bands like Vampire Weekend, Dirty Projectors, and Mates of State. GIVERS’ relentless energy and musical spontaneity are sure to keep your heart a-beatin’ and your hips a-shakin’, so be sure to catch them at this year’s Jazz Fest.

Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes: Gentilly Stage, 12:40pm-1:45pm

You like funk? You like style? You like classically trained musicians taking on alter egos and occasionally stripping down to reveal bizarre costumes? ….Yeah, that’s right. Go see ‘em.

Saturday, April 28

Headlining: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Cee Lo Green, Feist

Soul Rebels: Congo Square Stage, 5:20pm-6:40pm

A New Orleans essential. Soul Rebels represents a contemporary take on the traditional brass band, throwing some R&B and funk into the mix, as well as vocals. Ingenious music, infectious spirit—you can feel Soul Rebels’ raw energy through every trumpet, trombone, and tuba in the lot.

Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs: Gentilly Stage, 1:30pm-2:20pm

It’s hard to put Shamar Allen in one category, or even three. One moment he’s a traditional jazz man, the next he’s a rapper, then he’s a rock star, and was once even called a “pop icon”. The bottom line? Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs has something for everyone, so don’t miss out.

Sunday, April 29
Headlining: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Al Green, Dr. John and the Lower 911

Trombone Shorty  & Orleans Avenue: Acura Stage, 12:45pm-1:50pm

If you haven’t seen Trombone Shorty live yet, well, you should probably reexamine your priorities. Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews’ signature sound has got it all: rock, brass, hip-hop, blues, funk, and a whole lot of passion. Get ready to dance real hard and smile real big, because Trombone Shorty is definitely a must-see at Jazz Fest this year.

Papa Grows Funk: Gentilly Stage, 2:20pm-3:30pm

How could we not include Papa Grows Funk in our must-see guide? No play lists, no rehearsals, all talent. Papa Grows Funk exemplifies New Orleans funk—you can’t get much better than this, folks.

Sonny Landreth: Blues Tent, 3:05pm-4:05pm

Sonny Landreth embodies the soul of Louisiana with a powerful mix of Cajun and blues. His legendary slide guitar skills have lead him to collaborate with such music icons as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Dr. John, Jimmy Buffet, and many more. The man is bursting with talent—don’t miss what is sure to be a phenomenal show.

Erika Flowers: Congo Square Stage, 11:15am-12pm

Oh my god, Erika Flowers. This New York native fit right into the New Orleans music scene when she moved here just a few years ago. Her smooth, sultry voice perfectly compliments her bluesy lyrics and soulful melodies. Catch this budding star not only at Jazz Fest, but also at Tulane’s Crawfest the weekend before.

Stay tuned for Chapter 2: Who to See (Second Weekend)!

By Polly Sawabini and Gabby Stewart

Collected Undergrounds’ theadamstewart of rap group ECME and “psychedelic noise pop” band Aerial Attack just released an acoustic full-length album titled Creep that I felt compelled to come out of hiding to share. Much different from what we’re used to from him, the tracks on the album are a mix of acoustic originals and covers (Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, The Black Keys, Sparklehorse, The Beatles) showcasing the young ,yet incredibly talented individual’s beautiful voice and guitar talent in a way that echoes with a simultaneously eerie and comforting quality. Watch the video for “Forgive me” and check out the whole release via bandcamp below. Download, share, enjoy.

For more photos check out Josh’s Full Set

All Photos by Josh Brasted