Stomping once again

I'm off to the States again next week, taking in various music gigs and festivals in Louisiana and Mississippi. The highlight will be the 13th edition of the Ponderosa Stomp in New Orleans, possibly, no definitely, the world's greatest roots music festival which celebrates the 'unsung heroes of American music'. There's a great line up on offer and I can't wait to see them, and listen to the stories told by many of them at the conference sessions which Dr Ike, the organiser and originator, also stages during the weekend. To celebrate this wonderful event, and as a reminder for those who have been to previous Stomps, here is a selection of photos from the 2008 Ponderosa Stomp, which was held in the House of Blues. First, here is one of the wild men of rock and roll Barrence Whitfield.

One of the stars again this year, here is great left handed guitarist and swamp blues singer Barbara Lynn.

Now no longer with us, this is another wild man of rockabilly, Joe Clay.

The man who made the record after which the Ponderosa Stomp is named, Lazy Lester.

One of the lesser known blue eyed New Orleans bluesmen, this is Skip Easterling.

Here is Tony Owens, a carriage driver in New Orleans when he was rediscovered by Dr Ike.

This is Jean Knight. A Vinyl Word reader Will Porter commented that her 1974 hit Mr Big Stuff was the highest selling US record released on Stax (although recorded in Jackson) selling 3 million copies. Will said it was shameful that Jean was not involved in Stax shows and that in Memphis she was even replaced by an impersonator despite still being in fine voice.

Dr John played a brilliant rock and roll set, featuring guitar as well as piano,

Here's Tami Lynn, who had a huge hit with I'm Gonna Run Away From You.

The great sax and trumpet player Herb Hardesty was busy selling his CDs. Here he is with Michael Hurtt. Herb died last year.

Another great musician no longer with us, here is guitarist Skip Pitts, leader of the Bo-Keys.

Another great no longer with us, this is trumpeter Ben Cauley, who survived the 1967 plane crash which killed Otis Redding and his fellow band members in the Bar-Kays.

Still with us, and a recent visitor to the UK, here is New Orleans singer Betty Harris.

Also with us, and still in brilliant form, this is William Bell.

This is Mary Weiss, lead singer of the most dramatic of all girl groups, the Shangri-Las.

Here are the Collins Kids. Larry Collins now performs solo and showed earlier this year at Viva Las Vegas that he's an excellent guitarist.

Here's another act who are on at this year's Stomp - Roky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators.

Here's one the great Memphis soul men, Syl Johnson.

This is blues piano player Henry Gray, now 92, who I'm hoping to catch at his regular weekly show in Baton Rouge.

One of the true stars of this and any show, here's Ronnie Spector.

Here is bluesman Rosco Robinson.

This is Earl 'Soul' Jackson, with my girlfriend Maxine, who sadly died of brain cancer the following year.

Here is the great New Orleans piano player Eddie Bo, pictured with Herb Hardesty.

Finally, here is the late night highlight of the second night - and brilliant they were too - ? and the Mysterians.