Ponderosa Stomp
"There was a time when popular music was distilled from desperation, and a striving, raw ambition, and a healthy fear of the damnation of the lord. Songs with an edge, a secret code, a punk energy that is undeniable... that is the music of the Ponderosa Stomp." Founded at the turn of the century (the twenty-first century, that is) by New Orleans anesthesiologist and avid record collector Ira "Dr. Ike" Padnos, this American roots festival dedicates itself to recognizing the architects of rock and roll, blues, jazz, country, swamp pop, reggae, and soul. Performers from a bygone era return to the spotlight with two concerts at the Rock 'n' Bowl (3000 South Carrollton Avenue) as well as a two-day music-history conference and vinyl record show at the Wyndham Hotel (701 Convention Center Boulevard). Live music by the likes of Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon with Los Straitjackets, Irma Thomas, Barbara Lynn, and many more. For full line-up, visit ponderosastomp.com.