Happy Birthday, Shamarr Allen!

Trumpeter, vocalist, composer, writer and producer Shamarr Allen was born in New Orleans on July 4, 1980, and hails from the Lower 9th Ward. He has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country, and is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Galatic, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few. He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world. In addition to displaying his skills on the front-line as a lead performer, Allen is also a music composer, writer, and producer. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience! Happy Birthday, Shamarr!

Photo: Facebook

Creole Tomato Festival - July 3, 2021

Nothing says summertime in New Orleans quite like the French Market Creole Tomato Festival. Held every summer in the heart of the French Quarter, the music, dancing, food, and drink signal the start of a new season, one that’s laid-back and brimming at the pot with flavor.  

Celebrate tomato fest with a mix of virtual and in person activities on July 3, 2021. Get fresh Creole tomatoes at the French Market and see live music. Tune in for recipes, cooking demonstrations and more family friendly activities. 

Celebrating the Birthday of Pete Fountain

Jazz clarinetist Pete Fountain (Pierre Dewey LaFontaine, Jr.) was born in New Orleans on July 3, 1930. He played traditional Dixieland jazz and was noted for his sweet fluid tone. Fountain started playing clarinet as a child after a doctor recommended he play a wind instrument to treat a chronic lung condition. At first, Pete was unable to produce a sound, but with practice he eventually made music and improved the health of his lungs. While he did take lessons, he also learned by playing along with jazz records of Benny Goodman and Irving Fazola. As a teenager, he played with bands in Bourbon Street bars, and later with the Basin Street Six, as well as the Dukes of Dixieland in Chicago. Fountain was later featured on the Lawrence Welk Show and made numerous guest appearances on the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. He recorded over 100 LPs and CDs, and performed regularly in New Orleans, being featured in nearly every New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival since its inception in 1970. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Fountain passed away on August 6, 2016, survived by his wife of 65 years, Beverly, and their three children. Today we remember Pete Fountain and celebrate his legacy as a true ambassador of New Orleans music around the world.

Photo: I, Sumori

Essence Festival - 2 Weekends: June 25-27 & July 2-4! Live Loud!

Essence Festival of Culture - A Virtual Experience! The Essence Festival is going digital again this year with two back-to-back weekends of music, entertainment, empowerment and culture on June 25 to 27, and July 2 to 4, 2021. Can't miss content includes powerful daytime interactive sessions from trailblazing leaders and star-studded evening concerts. Two back to back weekends of thoughtfully curated panels, workshops, demos and activities just for us to uplift and support living out loud!

Mardigramus - Bingo

Mardigramus the soothsayer dispenses pointless wisdom and useless observations every Tuesday. Today’s sooth is called “Bingo”. Click on the image to view his visionary video.

Happy Birthday, Johnny Vidacovich!

Jazz drummer John Joseph Vidacovich Jr. was born on June 27, 1949, and is a member of the band Astral Project with  James Singleton, Tony Dagradi, and Steve Masakowski. He has also worked with Bobby McFerrin, Stanton Moore, Charlie Hunter, Willy DeVille, Robert Walter, Mose Allison, Johnny Adams, Professor Longhair, James Booker, and Alvin Tyler. He began teaching at Loyola University New Orleans in 1982. Today we wish this exceptional musician a happy birthday!

(Wikipedia Biography)

Photo: bindifry