Saturday, May 06, 2006

Saturday gets started...

First order of business is a stop at Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar for Bloody Marys where the legend of Johnny Gumbo was born. Jeff (yes, the same Jeff who recommended the ill-fated fish burrito to Johnnyk last year) arrives from Dallas with son, Mike, just in time to join us. Our bartender obviously had a rough night and borders on incoherent, but looks good except for the bruises on her shoulders, the origin of which she has no knowledge. She tells us she met/danced with Reggie Bush. Doesn't remember much more. Okay.

Off to the fairgrounds to catch violinist Theresa Anderson's set at the Southern Comfort Blues Stage. Theresa is on Barry's must-see list and comes through with a very nice performance. The crowd seems significantly larger today, which means the later shows are going to take some planning to get good viewing spots. We have some aces though since Gumbo has made friends throughout the Fest (he's a very friendly guy, that Gumbo).

Over to the Fais Do-Do Stage for an energetic set by 13 year-old Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys. Then over to the Congo Stage to hear a very funky set by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Back to Acura Stage to see some Deacon John then back to the other end of the fairgrounds to catch Robert Randolph and the Family Band, catch the Spiritualettes at the Gospel Tent on the way. WHEW!!!! Robert Randolph - OUTSTANDING!

Bobby Lounge was hyped so much in the papers (we had never heard of him) that we had to catch his set at the Lagniappe Stage. Looked like lots of others felt the same for the place was packed. He was very good. Clever, funny, outrageous. But didn't blow me away like I hoped he might. Very interesting.

Wasting away again - Had to make a call between the Radiators and Jimmy Buffett to close the day. The politically correct move would be to stay and see New Orleans' Radiators, but I'd seen them at Tipitina's in the late 80's and I'd never seen Jimmy Buffett in concert. And, shit, Jimmy Buffett is a really good time, so I'm going, no apologies needed! I plow my way through the packed crowd until I reach a stern-looking girl who tells me there is no where to go, just stop your ass here and stop pushing. Oh, and here's a beer. Buffett is indeed entertaining, the place packed and in a really good mood. Jimmy mentions his ties to the area quite a few times, seeming to educate those who would say he is just a big-name draw. In very fine form, with help from some Little Feat boys sitting in with the band. Even Ed Bradley was helping out on percussion. Great ending to day two of Jazzfest. And the Radiators, from all accounts, were somewhat disappointing.