Festival Season

Nearly five months into the new year and here my first post of 2012. Back in February, I started going to the gym and exercising for the first time in my life. I thought I might lack the self discipline to keep up that routine, but it hasn’t been a problem. Eating less, however, has been more of a challenge… and exercise doesn’t matter too much when you’re trying to lose weight if you don’t eat less.

April and early May make up festival season here it New Orleans. It’s been great so far and Jazz Fest starts in a couple days. This year’s French Quarter Festival was possibly the biggest ever. The music and food were awesome as always, and the weather was very agreeable this year. Unlike previous years, I didn’t find myself following a specific schedule to catch certain bands. I was content to wander around, so I didn’t get the volume of photographs I normally shoot for.

NOLA Navy Week followed French Quarter Fest… filling a typical two week lull before Jazz Fest. I only got to partially take advantage of the events but I did tour the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Wasp. It’s an impressive vessel, about the size of a cruise ship, but it would still be dwarfed by an aircraft carrier. The ship’s crew was aboard to entertain questions from the public. Everyone I interacted with was exceptionally cordial and accommodating. Like most people, I’m in awe of those who volunteer to serve in our armed forces.

As I conclude this excuse for an entry, Jazz Fest is just two days away. I hope to summarize that experience with another entry.

Jazz Fest 2012:

Friday, April 27: Leah Chase, Tim Laughlin, James Rivers Movement, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Sasha Masakowski, Beach Boys 50th Anniversary, Cubano Be Cubano Bop: Poncho Sanchez

Saturday, April 28: Peter Martin, Archdiocese of New Orleans Gospel Choir, Irvin Mayfield and the NOJO, Cee Lo Green, Feist, Jewel Brown and the Heritage Hall Jazz Band

Sunday, April 29th: Lionel Ferbos and the Palm Court Jazz Band, Ellis Marsalis, Treme Brass Band, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Thursday, May 3: Julio y Cesar Band, JKristi Guillory & the Midtown Project, Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys, Ani DiFranco, Kid Chocolate, Astral Project

Friday, May 4: Baritone Bliss, Germaine Bazzle, Deacon John, Rodrigo y Gabriela

Saturday, May 5: New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra, Cynthia Girtley, gospel tent wedding, Voices of Peter Claver, Jeremy Davenport, John Boutte, The Pedrito Martinez Group, Herbie Hancok & his Band

Sunday, May 6: Ceaser Elloie, UNO Jazz Allstars, Gregory Agid, A Living Tribute to Harold Batiste, David Sanborn and Joey DeFrancesco, Foo Fighters (kinda), Preservation Hall & Friends 50th Anniversary Celebration


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