New Orleans Jazzfest 1989 Part 3

It's great news that Jazzfest will be taking place this year and that Fats Domino will be headlining. Other details of the line up are eagerly awaited. Meanwhile, here's the conclusion of my diary of my first visit in '89, when Fats was also performing: Thursday May 4: Pouring with rain. No day for sightseeing so drove back from Memphis to New Orleans, stopping off only in Jackson for another crappy burger. In the evening went to Tipitina's with John Howard, Dave Thomas and Scotty Mick. Cajun night - C J Chenier, Wayne Toups and Zachary Richard. Knackered well before the end. Friday May 5: Browsed through the vinyl at Record Ron's and then discovered that the Fest is cancelled because of yesterday downpour. Sightseeing at Lake, then trawled record shops on Magazine St. Had a huge T bone in the evening, then met up with John H and Alec to see Buckwheat Zydeco at Storyville. Saturday May 6: It's hot - a very hot day at Jazzfest. Acts included Marva Wright, John Lee Hooker, Marcia Ball, Johnny Winter (tortured guitar playing and tortured eardrums), Jessie 'Ooh poo pa doo' Hill, Oliver 'La la' Morgan, Dave Bartholomew Band and Frankie Ford with the Dixie Cups. Plenty of New Orleans greats. Ate some alligator, turtle and dirty rice. Back to Tipitinas for the Neville Brothers with Dave. Waited till 2.40am to hear Aaron sing 'Tell it like it is' - but it was worth it. Sunday May 7: Last day of Jazzfest. First on was Johnny Allen , king of swamp pop, followed by Snooks Eaglin, Earl King, the excellent Johnny Adams, Ironing Board Sam, Dr John, with Chris Barber on trombone, John Fred and the Playboys and Jean Knight. Fantastic music all day, but topped off by the Neville Brothers, with Dr John guesting for the second half, and then forced my way to the front for Fats Domino, who had a marvellous band and was on top form. What an amazing day. Finished off with a few drinks at the Landmark with the festival tours, before flying off next day for a few days in Philadelphia and New York. A wonderful trip in every respect. I felt at home in the Big Easy right from the start. My spiritual home I think.