Show Host Blog

Welcome to the WWOZ Blog! This is where 'OZ staff and beloved show hosts post news, thoughts, information, and of course, music.

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Jazz Roots

Mon, 04/27/09
Authored by Tom Morgan
Wednesday morning from nine until ten, I will have Scott Brown, author of a book about Father of Stride Piano, James P Johnson on the show and we will feature Johnson's music for all to enjoy. Read more

Tuesday New Orleans Music Show

Mon, 04/27/09
Authored by Tom Morgan
Tuesday's show will feature two live performances: Theresa Andersson and Matt Lemmler. I will also be interviewing a number of people about books and music and also trying to find time to play some of the latest releases. Read more

Festival Fortunes

Mon, 04/27/09
Authored by Hunter King
As I was snooping around some of the shadier corners of the Jazz Fest Fairgrounds, I encountered a young mistress who offered to tell my fortune for a small price. Intrigued, I paid my quarter, and she asked me to pick a number between one and ten, "except not nine or ten." Read more

Day Two Begins to Wind Down

Sat, 04/25/09
Authored by Hunter King
The Crescent City All-Stars may not be as much of a household name as the others, but they managed to ensnare lots of people traveling from show to show with their hard-driving sound. Trumpeter James Andrews had an amazing energy about him and kept spirits high and light, dedi... Read more

Mister Okra

Sat, 04/25/09
Authored by Hunter King
Everybody knows that the food is a vital part of every New Orleans Jazz Fest, but there's one vendor that really stands out from the sweaty crowds. Mister Okra's "songs" are burned into the subconscious of anyone that has lived in the French Quarter, Fauborg Marigny, or Bywate... Read more

Time to Cool Off

Sat, 04/25/09
Authored by Hunter King
As the sun bears down on Festival- goers, many people start to look towards the misting tents and grandstands to cool off. The WWOZ Hospitality Tent has certainly never seen this much action while I've been here! Read more

Weekend One: Right Smack in the Middle

Sat, 04/25/09
Authored by Hunter King
The Dixie Cups may have been teenagers back when they made Iko Iko in 1965, but just like so many of this city's talents they proved that great showmanship doesn't age. With synchronized dance moves that certainly made their way into the crowd, rhythm and blues harmonies and g... Read more

Saturday's First Few Shows

Sat, 04/25/09
Authored by Hunter King
Day Two of Jazz Fest kicked off (for me) at the Blues Tent, with Henry Gray and the Cats delivering some gorgeous, earthy blues. Believe it or not, it was rockin' enough to inspire a few to dance even at this first show of the day. Read more

The End of a Long Jazz Fest Day

Sat, 04/25/09
Authored by Hunter King
After a long, hard day of fun, you have to make your decision on who will bring it on home for you. With so many huge acts to choose from (and such tired feet), sometimes the best thing is just to grab as much last-minute music as you can before collapsing in a heap... and get... Read more

More Highlights from Jazz Fest Opening Day

Sat, 04/25/09
Authored by Hunter King
Over at the Gospel Tent, an impenetrable wall of listeners tried to squeeze in to catch our good friend Irma Thomas along with the legendary Mavis Staples and Pamela Landrum to pay tribute to gospel great Mahalia Jackson. Irma had to be brought hankies between songs, but her v... Read more

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