Duke Ellington Jazz Festival 2009
This years Duke Ellington Jazz Festival free concert on The Mall was going to be a little different from last years. Instead of having a “kids” day on Saturday it was going to be filled with more contemporary music. Also there was going to be a theme for the music instead of just straight jazz it had a New Orleans theme to it. Many of the bands were from New Orleans or played that style of music. This proved to be a winning combination of talented artists and some great music.
nice crowd
I skipped the Saturday show and hit the Sunday show just like last year. This time I was able to get Bobby and Tracy, along with the kids, to show up and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music and sun. Weather wise the day turned out to be perfect. The sun was shinning and it was a little warm, but there was very little humidity and the constant breeze made things very comfortable for a mid-June outdoor festival in DC. Believe me this town can get unbearable when you have 90% humidity and to go along with it temperatures in the 90′s. Certainly makes you not want to be outside all day in the sun enjoying a concert, I don’t care who is playing I wouldn’t show up for that. Our only weather concern was rain and that turned out to be a non-issue.
I left my house about 11am and took good old reliable Metro to the Smithsonian exit and walked the couple of blocks to the Sylvan Theater in the shadow the Washington Monument, so the setting is spectacular. When I finally arrived at the theater the lawn was filling up quickly, already there were more people than last years concert. Bobby and Tracy were going to meet me later so I picked a spot near the soundboard that I didn’t think would fill up to fast and provide enough room for the entire family to spread out with a blanket.
Donald Harrison & The 3D Experience
Not two minutes after I arrived Buckwheat Zydeco starts assembling on the stage tuning their gear and getting read for a show. Buckwheat is the only group I recognized for the Sunday performers so I was definitely looking forward to this show. He rocked the house and got everyone dancing with his set of zydeco music that the audience just ate up. For one song he got a young kid from the audience and told him to “hold this note and no matter what happens don’t pull your finger off the key.” This was great audience participation and added to the song. Donald Harrisonn & the 3D Experience were up next, late as usual for this festival. Unfortunately I don’t have much to say about these guys. They played great New Orleans style jazz and swing.
The next act was Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. I knew something was up when as the band was announced the entire crowd got up on their feet. What was I missing? I had never heard of these guys before but the crowd certainly had. And if everyone is getting on their feet this must be one hell of a performance. When the band took the stage I immediately noticed their age, they were all pretty young, and VERY talented. They immediately started rocking with they blended style by mixing funk/r&b with a New Orleans style flair. With Trombone Shorty born, raised, and schooled in New Orleans the influence is strong with the band in their roots. It was such a party atmosphere and the music kicked ass. I recommend if he is coming to your town you check out the show. Near the end of his seat he even did the traditional New Orleans parade walk through the crowd coming within 10′ or so of my chair.
she rocked, from Nicholas Payton Quartet
After they walked off stage the beat changed a little with Nicholas Payton Quartet. As a trumpeter Nicholas and his crew are more of a traditional jazz band from New Orleans. Most of it was pretty straight forward with a kick ass groove. Several times Nicholas would walk off stage and allow his band mates to be adventurous with their solos which was great. The bassist, not sure of her name, was really getting into it, I loved to watch her. She had this mop of curly hair and would start picking the bass bobbing her head. It was a joy watching her play that bass.
After they were done it was time to leave. Just like last year the festival was running late and I couldn’t stay for the last act, Irma Thomas. I was getting together with Nancy for the season opener of True Blood. It was another great afternoon spent in the city in the shadow of the Washington Monument. The weather could not have been more perfect and I was happy that Bobby and Tracy made it out to the festival with the kids. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon. The theme of New Orleans was also a good idea and I look forward to what they will do next year.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Buckwheat Zydeco 1:00 pm
Donald Harrison & The 3D Experience 2:15 pm
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue 3:30 pm
Nicholas Payton Quartet 4:55 pm
Irma Thomas & The Professionals 6:25 pm
