jazz fest minutes

Jazz Fest Minutes: 'One Mo’ Time' With Actor Vernel Bagneris

Fred Kasten — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:17 +0000

Jazz Fest Minutes: Words and Music with Donald Harrison, Jr.

Fred Kasten — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Saxophonist, composer and Mardi Gras Indian Chief Donald Harrison, Jr. started learning about Mardi Gras Indian culture firsthand and early.

“The first time I put on a suit was at two years old for the Creole Wild West," Harrison said. I was a little chief of the Creole Wild West. I had on a dark blue and white suit my father made for me. I remember them running and going fast up and down in feathers, flying and singing.”

Jazz Fest Minutes: C.J. Chenier Keeps It Red Hot

Fred Kasten — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

C.J. Chenier is the son of Zydeco legend Clifton Chenier.

"I didn't know to what magnitude my dad's popularity was, but I knew he played music and because he played music I wanted to play music," Chenier said.

C.J. took a few piano lessons, messed around with guitar a little bit, and by the fourth grade was ready to try a horn.

Jazz Fest Minutes: A Conversation With Dianne Reeves

Fred Kasten — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Dianne Reeves is one of the finest jazz singers on the planet. Born in Detroit, she grew up in Denver in a family full of musicians.

"There's a lot of musicians in my family," Reeves said. "My uncle is a bassist and he was with the symphony for many years, as well as a jazz bassist. A couple of great aunts were performers, and then I have another cousin who actually produced a lot of my records, George Duke. So music was very much part of the family."

Grammy-Winning Carolina Chocolate Drops Play Jazz Fest Saturday, April 28th

Fred Kasten — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:36:45 +0000

Carolina Chocolate Drops singer and banjoist Rhiannon Giddens was preparing for a career in opera when she discovered the rich tradition of African-American string band music and performance in the Piedmont region. She completely changed directions, and co-founded the now Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops. The Carolina Chocolate Drops play Jazz Fest Saturday, April 28th.

New Orleans Clarinetist Dr. Michael White Plays Jazz Fest Saturday, April 28th

Fred Kasten — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:03:44 +0000

New Orleans clarinetist Dr. Michael White and his Original Liberty Jazz Band deliver authentic New Orleans jazz with an irresistible blend of passion, verve, experience and expertise. They play Jazz Fest on Saturday, April 28th.