Just another perfect day in Nola...

Out to Lucy's early today, sporting my Black Keys, Akron, OH shirt, getting a "Yeah, The Black Keys" as we enter.  Although it's pretty crowded, Gumbo and I manage to squeeze into our usual places at the Tchoupitoulas Street end of the bar, order up a couple Bloody Marys, and peruse Saturday's music listings.  Our plan is to get out to the Fairgrounds earlier today, which means the Pool Hall Studs will probably catch up later.  JG feels we should try out the hotel's $15 Jazz Fest round trip deal instead of our usual routine.  Fine with me.  Our bus driver tries to be a tour guide on the way out, but quickly runs out of ammunition.  We get there in short order; it's about 12:30 and I suggest we start the day with some Jon Boutte at the Congo Square Stage.  However, we quickly learn that it's Jon Batiste instead - and, after a couple songs, decide to move on to Marcia Ball.  It is already really crowded, but since it hasn't rained, it is easy to get around the Fairgrounds.

We get a text from the Studs that, despite the Gumbo boycott, they are eating lunch at Mother's. Gumbo and I split up, agreeing to meet around two at the Acura Stage for Voice of the Wetlands All Stars (featuring Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, George Porter Jr, Johnny Sansone, et al).  I end up just strolling around the grounds taking in the sights (Mardi Gras Indians parades, cd tent, some craft booths).  At the cd tent, I find Marcia Ball doing a signing gig.  I end up at the Gentilly Stage and happen upon the PHS.  Some guy named MyNameIs JohnMichael is performing.  Sounds decent.  After his set, while we wait for Trombone Shorty, I suggest we move over to Fais Do-Do for Jesse Winchester.  The PHS have never heard of him, but they trust my judgement, even after the Michelle Shocked episode. We sit on the ground; feels great to get off my feet for a bit.  Jesse is very mellow, tasty.  Nice respite. 

Back to Gentilly to reunite with Gumbo for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, who blew us away last year (while returning from the beer tent with four cold ones, I'm stopped by a guy who wants to take a picture of my Black Keys shirt).  The PHS saw them again at Stage One in Fairfield last fall.  And he's great again.  Great band. Interesting tidbit:  While Shorty is singing On the Way Down from his excellent album Backatown, the songwriter, Allen Toussaint, is playing his set over at the Acura Stage (I didn't say it was earthshaking, only a tidbit).  I wasn't crazy about them suddenly bringing out the sports arena staple, Shout, to get everyone jumping around.  C'mon, Shorty, you're better than that!  Great show, though.


Over to the Blues Tent for Walter Wolfman Washington - and a seat out of the very hot sun.  Feels good.  To finish the day, I'm going to pass up Jimmy Buffett, Bobby Blue Bland and Lauren Hill in favor of The Strokes.  That old Parrothead Gumbo opts for Jimmy Buffett, while the Studs are willing to try The Strokes.  Their first album was great, but they've not reached that level with anything since.  On this hot day, they must be dying in those leather jackets.  With lead singer Julian Casablancas is doing his disinterested thing, they get off to a somewhat slow start, but get better as the set continues.  Last Night is really good.  Mark spots 'Freaky Pete' Murano, Trombone Shorty's great guitar player, come in with his girlfriend.  Photo op.  Mark tells him about the gig in Fairfield; Pete said it was a great small venue to play.  Noticing my shirt as we pose for a pic, he comments that he loves The Black Keys.  Cool guy. 

Gumbo and I head for the shuttle bus and get back to the hotel quickly.  Evening plans are up in the air, but we are going to try to squeeze in at Herbsaint, one of our favorite restaurants in Nola.  A call from the Studs to meet downstairs at nine, so we go into the hotel bar to watch the 2nd half of Celtics/Heat.  After helping the Celts win, we head over to Herbsaint, where, after a short wait, we actually get a table outside.  Great dinner (nod to Peter).