Good Morning Music Lovers!  It’s the most wonderful time of the year; no Andy Williams, not Christmas, Day 1 of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the unchallenged greatest music and culture event on the planet!

Today:

The fest starts in one of the ways that defines its greatness. Lots of performers I am not very familiar with, and an opportunity to discover some great music. What I do know is Johnny Sansone will kick things off with a bluesy and swampy start. Following Johnny on Acura is the Honey Island Swamp Band and one of the acts that changes my life when I saw him at my first Fest in 1994, the zydecajun sound of Wayne Toups. About the same time, 3 great performers in a row at Fais Do-D0: Chubby “There Ain’t No Party Like a Chubby Party” Carrier, Paul “The Bard of New Orleans” Sanchez, and Geno “French Rockin’ Boogie” Delafolse.  Check out Royal Teeth and the Funk-A-Go-Go sounds of the Brass-A-Holics. If it’s time for a change of pace, head to Lagnaippe – where there are chairs! – for the Magnolia Sisters. Today’s expanding World Music Appreciation Pick is Lagbaja from Nigeria. As we head into the home stretch, whatever Tom McDermott is playing will be great, and probably a little educational. Honestly, I have no plans for the closing act. A perfect way to end the first day may be to see how stages I can get to before 7.

Remember to practice the “Walk By”, stroll by the many different stages to see bands that you have never heard of for a song or two.  I promise that you will discover something fabulous you never even know existed.  Whatever adventures lie before you, remember to always Go Hear Some Live Local Music!