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:

Depending on exactly how fired up you want to start this year’s Fest marathon, I offer – in ascending order – Sarah Quintana on Lagniappe, Mason Ruffner at Blues or the Hot 8 Brass Band at Congo. Next at Economy Hall is Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans – if you have never seen her on Royal Street, make sure you catch her today. Also in this set is today’s World Music Appreciation Pick – TR Shine of Belize at Congo and, something completely different, harp music from Patrice Arpa on Lagniappe. The next wave is busy with Alvin Youngblood Hart at Blues, Chubby “There Ain’t No Party Like a Chubby Party” Carrier at Fais Do Do, and 2 master of their genre, Kermit Ruffins at Congo and Buckwheat “The Best Hair In” Zydeco at Acura. Steve Riley follows Chubby at Fais Do Do. Also right about now is the time to catch some talented and lovely ladies – Grace Potter at Gentilly and Bria Skonberg at Economy Hall. There are, as always, plenty more awesome acts to experience, but for me, I have to close out the day at Steely Dan, one of the only non-Louisiana acts on my must see list.

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!