<HTML>

<HEAD>
<META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="new orleans jazz & heritage festival review, fair grounds race course, new orleans, louisiana, andy argyrakis, tony bonyata, phil bonyata, karen bondowski">
<META NAME="description" CONTENT="New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival review and photographs at the Fair Grounds Race Course">
<META NAME="author" CONTENT="Phil and Tony Bonyata">

<TITLE>
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival review, Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans, LA April 27-29, 2018</TITLE>
<LINK REL="SHORTCUT ICON" HREF="hand1.jpg">

<STYLE TYPE="text/css">

a:link { color: white; text-decoration: none }

a:active { color: red; text-decoration: none }

a:visited { color: white; text-decoration: none }

a:hover { color: red; text-decoration: none }

</STYLE> 


</HEAD>


<BODY BGCOLOR=#000000 TEXT=#ffffff LINK=#99ccff VLINK=#339900>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>


<IMG SRC="gifs/redlight.gif" WIDTH="426" HEIGHT="70" ALT="red lights">

</P>

<CENTER>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER BORDER="0" BGCOLOR=#000000 WIDTH=40%>

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN="6">

<A HREF="livewire.htm"><IMG SRC="gifs/logobanner.gif" BORDER="0" WIDTH="604" HEIGHT="102" ALT="Concert Livewire"></A>

</TD>

</TR>


<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER><A HREF="reviews.htm"><B>concert reviews</B> </A></TD> <TD ALIGN=CENTER> <A HREF="http://www.basementtapes.com"><B>basement tapes</B></A></TD><TD ALIGN=CENTER><A HREF="cd.htm"><B>cd reviews</B> </A></FONT></TD>  <TD ALIGN=CENTER><A HREF="interview.htm"><B>interviews</B></A></TD><TD ALIGN=CENTER><A HREF="features.htm"><B>features</B></A></TD>


</TR>


</TABLE>


</CENTER>

<BR>
<CENTER>
<script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<!-- Phil Bonyata -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
     style="display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-9601536372151405"
     data-ad-slot="6134635973"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</CENTER><BR>


<CENTER>


<H1>

New Orleans Jazz Fest gets off to a great start

</H1>

<FONT SIZE="4">

<FONT COLOR=#ff0000>New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - Weekend 1</FONT><BR>

<FONT SIZE="3">Fair Grounds Race Course
<BR>

New Orleans, LA<BR>


April 27-29, 2018
</CENTER></FONT><BR>


<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sturgill1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="375" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sturgill Simpson"><BR>Sturgill Simpson</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lucinda.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="327" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Lucinda Williams"><BR>Lucinda Williams</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sting1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="331" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sting"><BR>Sting</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>


<CENTER>

<TABLE WIDTH=60%>


<TR>

<TD>


<P>

<FONT SIZE="2"><I>

Review and photos by France Sealy</I>

</P>


<FONT SIZE="4">


The New Orleans Jazz Festival never fails to thrill crowds from all over the world. The absence of Aretha Franklin could not dampen the exuberance of the crowds. Here are some of the highlights.<BR><BR>

The artist of the day was a tie between Sting, Sturgill Simpson, Lukas Nelson, and Jake Shimabukuro. How's that for decision making? <BR><BR>

Sting gave the throng of fans everything they wanted. He performed thirty plus years of hit songs that included "Roxanne," "Every Breath You Take," "Message in a Bottle," and much more. His 66 years of age have been kind to him as he has remained physically fit wearing a tee shirt and black jeans. His voice has remained intact. Everything was there for fans to relish.<BR><BR>

Sturgill Simpson had the most unique if not bizarre entrance of any set at Jazz Fest. The 610 Stompers took the stage dancing their way through most of the first song. Simpson slipped in between the two rows of dancers and played guitar. Simpson's blistering guitar shredding was the highlight of the set.<BR><BR>
<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/tribfats.jpg" VSPACE="4" HSPACE="4" BORDER="1" ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH="359" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Fats Tribute">
If anyone measured up to Simpson's guitar, it had to be Lukas Nelson. Nelson recalled that the last time they played Jazz Fest was when they were the backing band for Neil Young. The rain was relentless that time. Nelson and The Promise of the Real are making all the festival stops this year and the fans at Jazz Fest were impressed with Nelson guitar and vocals. There were more 'Luckas leaps' too.<BR><BR>

Jake Shimabukuro was a surprise big hit at the Fais-Do-Do stage. No one was expecting the musicality and the showmanship of the ukulele master. Shimabukuro repeated his wizardry on Sunday while playing with Jimmy Buffett. He stole the show with an even bigger crowd. He made magic.<BR><BR>

Runner up to the best act of the day goes to Samantha Fish. Fish has long been a jazz fest favorite. With her curly frock flying, short sequined dress, and her fresh young face, she plays guitar like a legend.<BR><BR>

Artist of the day goes to Common well, because he's Common. He is an Oscar Award winning artist. He has it all, a message for the masses, showmanship galore, and he's not bad to look at either. Add some hot dancing girls to the mix and it was a winning set. The heat at the Congo Stage did not deter the rapper.<BR><BR>

The day was a memorial the late Fats Domino and there was a set to celebrate. Many performers gathered to pay homage to the New Orleans native. The Fats Domino Orchestra along with Jon Batiste, Bonnie Raitt, Irma Thomas, Deacon John, Davell Crawford and more came together to remind us of how much influence Fats Domino had on rock and roll.<BR><BR>

Fans were treated to a performance by Lucinda Williams with Charles Lloyd and the Marvels in the jazz tent. It seemed to be a strange pairing initially, but after hearing the first song, it seemed very natural. The band was impeccable and Lucinda was at her best. Williams revealed that she and the band recently made an album for Blue Note.<BR><BR>

On the last day of the weekend, Jon Batiste and the Dap Kings took a break from their tour for a jazz fest appearance. Batiste repeated his performance of Domino's "Ain't That a Shame" from the Domino tribute.<BR><BR>

David Byrne brought his 'American Utopia' tour with his troupe's electrifying performance sans the tour's stage set up. George Benson brought his golden voice and guitar to an eager jazz crowd. Charlie Wilson charmed fans at the Congo Stage with his chorus line of lovely ladies. Of course, Wilson was in the middle of the line.<BR><BR>

John Mayall closed the blues tent playing every instrument he could lay his hands on. The blues legend had Austin's multi-talented Carolyn Wonderland playing guitar in the band. Wonderland sang during the set as well. It was a great way to end the first weekend.


 </TD>

</TR>

</TABLE>


</CENTER><BR>
	
			
<CENTER>

<H3><FONT COLOR=#ff0000>Related articles:</FONT></h3>
<A HREF="nojazzfest16.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2016</A><BR>

<A HREF="nojazzfest15.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2015</A><BR>
<A HREF="nojazzfest14.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2014</A><BR>
<A HREF="nojazzfest13.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2013</A><BR>
<A HREF="jazzfest10.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2010</A><BR>

<A HREF="jazzfest09.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2009</A><BR>
<A HREF="jazzfest08.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2008</A><BR>

<A HREF="jazzfest07.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2007</A><BR>

<A HREF="jazzfest06.htm">New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2006</A><BR>


</CENTER><BR>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sturgill.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="325" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Sturgill Simpson"><BR>Sturgill Simpson</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sting.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="331" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sting"><BR>Sting</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sturgill2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="325" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Sturgill Simpson"><BR>Sturgill Simpson</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>


<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sturgill3.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="864" HEIGHT="573" ALT="Sturgill Simpson"><BR>Sturgill Simpson</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sting2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="360" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sting"><BR>Sting</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lucinda1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="364" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Lucinda Williams"><BR>Lucinda Williams</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/sting3.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="366" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sting"><BR>Sting</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/common.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="344" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Common"><BR>Common</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lucinda2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="308" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Lucinda Williams"><BR>Lucinda Williams</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/common2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="317" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Common"><BR>Common</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/common1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="576" HEIGHT="395" ALT="Common"><BR>Common</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/common3.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="358" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Common"><BR>Common</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/raitt1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="361" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Bonnie Raitt"><BR>Bonnie Raitt</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/raitt.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="362" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Bonnie Raitt"><BR>Bonnie Raitt</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lloyd1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="357" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Charles Lloyd"><BR>Charles Lloyd</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/raitt2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="576" HEIGHT="426" ALT="Bonnie Raitt"><BR>Bonnie Raitt</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lloyd.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="432" HEIGHT="421" ALT="Charles Lloyd"><BR>Charles Lloyd</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/shim.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="341" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Shimabukuro"><BR>Shimabukuro</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/shim2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="418" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Shimabukuro"><BR>Shimabukuro</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/shim1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="346" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Shimabukuro"><BR>Shimabukuro</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/bigsam.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="576" HEIGHT="386" ALT="Big Sam"><BR>Big Sam</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/beau.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="576" HEIGHT="386" ALT="Beau Soleil"><BR>Beau Soleil</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>


<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/fish.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="331" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Sam Fish"><BR>Sam Fish</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/fish1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="370" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sam Fish"><BR>Sam Fish</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lukas1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="327" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Lukas Nelson"><BR>Lukas Nelson</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>


<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/benson.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="323" HEIGHT="360" ALT="George Benson"><BR>George Benson</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lukas.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="384" HEIGHT="504" ALT="Lukas Nelson"><BR>Lukas Nelson</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lukas2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="331" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Lukas Nelson"><BR>Lukas Nelson</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/erica.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="504" HEIGHT="384" ALT="Erica Falls"><BR>Erica Falls</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/benson1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="504" HEIGHT="386" ALT="George Benson"><BR>George Benson</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lake.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="331" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Meschiya Lake"><BR>Meschiya Lake</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/lindell.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="336" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Lindell"><BR>Lindell</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/cleary.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="341" HEIGHT="432" ALT="John Cleary"><BR>John Cleary</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/kahlid.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="576" HEIGHT="442" ALT="Khalid"><BR>Khalid</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/batiste.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="442" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Jon Batiste"><BR>Jon Batiste</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/batiste1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="358" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Jon Batiste"><BR>Jon Batiste</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/batiste2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="341" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Jon Batiste"><BR>Jon Batiste</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/batiste3.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="316" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Jon Batiste"><BR>Jon Batiste</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/indians.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="864" HEIGHT="592" ALT="Indians"><BR>Indians</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/irma.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="414" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Irma Thomas"><BR>Irma Thomas</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/cotton.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="357" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Eddie Cotton"><BR>Eddie Cotton</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/cotton1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="349" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Eddie Cotton"><BR>Eddie Cotton</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/freeda.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="353" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Big Freeda"><BR>Big Freeda</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/freeda1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="332" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Big Freeda"><BR>Big Freeda</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/royal.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="321" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Royal Teeth"><BR>Royal Teeth</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/royal1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="295" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Royal Teeth"><BR>Royal Teeth</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/wonder1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="364" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Wonderland"><BR>Wonderland</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/wonder.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="335" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Wonderland"><BR>Wonderland</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/mayall1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="345" HEIGHT="432" ALT="John Mayall"><BR>John Mayall</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/mayall.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="372" HEIGHT="432" ALT="John Mayall"><BR>John Mayall</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/mayall2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="331" HEIGHT="432" ALT="John Mayall"><BR>John Mayall</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/wilson.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="351" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Charlie Wilson"><BR>Charlie Wilson</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/wilson1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="576" HEIGHT="405" ALT="Charlie Wilson"><BR>Charlie Wilson</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/wilson2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="504" HEIGHT="465" ALT="Charlie Wilson"><BR>Charlie Wilson</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/wilson3.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="340" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Charlie Wilson"><BR>Charlie Wilson</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>


<CENTER>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="16">

<TR>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/crude1.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="360" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sweet Crude"><BR>Sweet Crude</TD>

<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/crude.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="331" HEIGHT="360" ALT="Sweet Crude"><BR>Sweet Crude</TD>


<TD ALIGN=CENTER>

<IMG SRC="jpegs/nojazz18/crude2.jpg" BORDER="1" WIDTH="393" HEIGHT="432" ALT="Sweet Crude"><BR>Sweet Crude</TD>


</TR>

</TABLE>

</CENTER>

		
	<BR>

<P ALIGN=CENTER>

<FONT SIZE="4">

<A HREF="reviews.htm">Return to Reviews</A><BR>

<A HREF="livewire.htm">Return to Livewire</A>

</FONT>


</P>

<CENTER>

Copyright  &#169 ConcertLivewire.com&#153; All Rights Reserved</CENTER>

</BODY>


</HTML>