Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival

Lafayette Square Park

New Orleans, Louisiana

October 12 – 14, 2012

Story and Photos by Art Tipaldi

Once I read Bob Putignano’s account of last year’s Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in BluesWax, I knew I had to put this festival on my calendar. Simply put, this three-day, free festival in NOLA’s Lafayette Square is a charming slice of musical heaven. Starting Friday with Luther Kent and Chris Thomas King, through Saturday’s performances by Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Otis Clay backed by the Bo-Keys, Sugar Blue, and Keb’ Mo’, through Sunday’s performances by Spencer Bohren, Ironing Board Sam, Larry Burton, Latimore, Miss Lavelle White, and Clarence Carter, there was a musical treat for everyone. Food stands from Crescent City eateries and crafts booths surrounded the two stages. And the perfect October weather didn’t hurt. If you are planning a trip to New Orleans and want to experience the city and its wonderful music without enormous crowds, put this October, free festival on your musical bucket list.

Next year’s dates for the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival are October 18-20, 2013. For more information, keep watching their Web site.

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