Final day at Crescent City Festival, plus photos

We are back from our epic US trip at last and I will be posting photos of some of the great musicians we saw during our three weeks there over the next few days.
Starring on the final day of the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival was the irrepressible Bobby Rush, now just a month away from his 84th birthday. His act was as energetic and amusing as ever, with his usual array of bluesy. bawdy material, plus a couple of numbers from his recent Porcupine Meat album. With him was Mizz Lowe (pictured below), looking fine as ever, plus a new lady dancer. Even though I've seen his act many times, Bobby remains a true delight.

Bobby was presented with a portrait before his set.

Earlier in the day The New Soul Finders featured some numbers by Marilyn Barbarin, who made some now collectable New Orleans style records in the 1960s.

I expected rather more from gospel trio the Como Mamas than they delivered.

Little Freddie King, however, is always reliable.

Starting a recording career rather late in life, with a debut album called Age Don't Mean A Thing in 2016, here is Robert Finley, a man with a soulful voice, who was impressive on numbers such as It's Too Late To Tell You I Love You and Is It Possible To Love Two People At The Same Time?

Here are some more pictures from the first two days of the BBQ Festival. This is Luther Kent with Trick Bag.

Also on the first evening, this is Deacon John.

Kicking off the second day, this is King Edward, who I've seen before at Hal and Mal's in Jackson.

Next up. here is Louis 'Gearshifter' Youngblood.

Samantha Fish looked good but was rather rock orientated.

Here is a young guitarist with a funky sound, A J Ghent.

John Mooney provided some solid New Orleans sounds.

I was impressed by young bluesman Grady Champion and look forward to seeing him again.

Headlining on day two, and producing a polished set, here is Robert Cray.

Saturday night at the Ace Hotel featured a great set by New Orleans resident Nikki Hill.

On my final day in New Orleans I had the pleasure of having lunch with Ira Padnos, aka Dr Ike, and his wife Shmuela at a great little restaurant called Sammy's. It was great to meet him properly and hear about the trials and tribulations of putting on the Ponderosa Stomp over the years. It really is a fantastic festival and it was such a shame that the Mayor's hurricane curfew wiped out the second evening. Among the stars who didn't get to perform were Ray Gaines, Carla and Vaneese Thomas, Frankie Miller and James Hand, but the afternoon shows at the Ace Hotel were very much appreciated. Ira is taking a well deserved rest for a while but I sure do hope that the Stomp continues in the future. He alerted us to a final show at the Ace Hotel on Monday evening featuring yet another of Michael Hurtt's bands, The Night Howlers. They put on a splendid show featuring rock and roll and swamp pop material. What a trip it has been. So many great memories. More pix to come.

Nick Cobban