Jazz Fest 2009 - Weekend 1

I learned this weekend that there is a lot you can do in 30 hours, which is about how long I was in New Orleans. It was not part of my original plan to attend both weekends of Jazz Fest this year, but I made the decision to abandon reason...and I am certainly glad I did. The first weekend was KILLER! And once again, my hypothesis proved true: my favorite performance of the weekend was by an artist I've never heard of. This year's winner: Third World (previous winners include Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters and The Subdudes). I'll admit that I did need a little convincing to stay at Congo Square and hear them (as opposed to heading back to Gentilly for Wilco). Fortunately, I had wise people advising me otherwise.

Also making the weekend for me were the local New Orleans' products themselves: Galactic, Papa Grows Funk, and the always "on fire" Rebirth Brass Band.

Note: Pictured above is Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians at the Jazz and Heritage Stage.