If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent most of the day analyzing the newly-released 2011 Jazz Fest lineup and figuring out which days you will have to take off or call in sick so you won’t have to miss anyone you want to see. But Jazz Fest is still a ways off. The more pressing question is: what bands are you going to go see this weekend?
Here are a few ideas:
Thursday, January 20
Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps – Let’s get this musical odyssey started off right with what has become one of the best weekly house parties in the city – the Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps Roule. Get there early to stake out a spot, because the Rebels draw a huge crowd every week. Remember to tip your bartender.
Friday, January 21
Starlight Racing at the New Orleans Fairgrounds with the Topcats – Perennial party band the Topcats will keep you on the dance floor every second you’re not betting on the ponies. The always fun Starlight Racing series opens up the Fair Grounds to a whole new crowd, with the same old hats. Grab a racing form and strap on your boogie shoes.
Saturday, January 22
Credo Blues Society at Carrollton Station – Our very own Chuck Credo IV brings his blues band the Credo Blues Society toCarrollton Station for a 9 o’clock show. Fresh out of the recording studio, these veterans of the New Orleans music scene are poised to deliver a killer set of boogie-woogie blues. Have mercy and say yeah!
Eric Lindell at One Eyed Jacks – Musicians tend to gravitate to venues that seem to match their sound, and this is certainly the case with Eric Lindell and One Eyed Jacks. Lindell’s always enjoyable sets have been known to stretch into the early hours of the morning here probably more often than anywhere else. And there’s nothing quite like spilling out onto Toulouse as the sun peeks over the horizon.
Sunday, January 23
Jazz Brunch at Café Rani with the Courtyard Kings – If you’ve made it this far, it’s time to slow it down a bit so you’re not completely burned out for work on Monday. And what better way to relax on a slow Sunday morning than by listening to the Courtyard Kings as you sip mimosas and scarf down your badly needed brunch at Café Rani? It’s how any self respecting New Orleanian recovers from a three day music binge.
What are you doing this weekend? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
