Festival goers will enjoy a full weekend of performances from nearly two dozen musicians when the 2024 Blues & BBQ Festival returns to Lafayette Square Park, October 11—13.
Irma Thomas, the soul queen of New Orleans, will headline. When Thomas sings, it comes “Straight from the Heart.” Her deep, passionate vocals create a hypnotic R&B sound sure to inundate the Friday night sky.
On Saturday, Chris Thomas King will take the stage. A Louisiana native and son of the owner of Baton Rouge club Tabby’s Blues Box and Heritage Hall, King grew up with blues in his blood. Many of King’s songs represent that traditional Delta blues sound, while others slip into more experimental styles, with hip-hop and country infusions.
One of Chicago’s premier party bands, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, is headlining the festival on Saturday. Lil’ Ed’s band is known across the world for its boogie blues dance mix, replete with roaring slide-guitar and rocking vocals.
Little Freddie King will perform Sunday, October 13th.
For even more electric blues, Sunday brings Little Freddie King, a Blues & BBQ legacy musician who has been with the festival since its inception. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and based in New Orleans, King personifies authentic Delta blues and mesmerizes crowds with his repetitive beats and carefree swagger.
He’s also been known to step down from the stage, to mingle with the crowd and explore all the beloved fall festival has to offer.
Shaun Aleman, a New Orleans born artist who has been selling original work in the festival’s art market since its beginning, remembers the year he met Little Freddie King. The New Orleans blues legend was strolling around the festival when he was surprised to see his likeness smiling back at him from one of Aleman’s hand-painted guitars. King signed the guitar, and even though Aleman brought it with the intention of selling it, he couldn’t bear to let it go. “I kept that piece,” Aleman said. “That was a good memory.”
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Marcia Ball
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Eric E. Simon
Marcia Ball
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Eric E. Simon
The Funky Meters
Art Neville (Keylboard) George Porter, Jr. (Bass) Brian Stoltz (Guitar) Terrence Houston (Drums)
While the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is all about making the most of the present, this home-grown musical landmark is also about honoring the rich legacy of the blues. Born in the Mississippi Delta, the blues emerged from African American work and church songs. With emotional lyrics and unique instrumental techniques and tunings, the blues have roots that run deep and wide, from Mississippi and Louisiana, extending across the South, and far beyond to influence musical genres throughout America.
To encourage broad appreciation of regional blues music and culture, programming at this year’s Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival includes an oral history stage, which will host artist interviews on Saturday and Sunday inside Gallier Hall.
From the casual listener to the hardcore blues fan, the Blues & BBQ Festival promises a comprehensive showcase of American blues, delivered by some of the most dynamic artists performing today. Find the full lineup below.
FRIDAY, OCT. 11
St. Charles Avenue Stage
5:30 pm–6:45 pm - Marcia Ball
7 pm–8:30 pm - Irma Thomas & the Professionals
SATURDAY, OCT. 12
Camp Street Stage
11 am–noon - Les Getrex & Creole Cookin
1 pm–2 pm - Joe Krown + 1 featuring Papa Mali
3:15 pm–4:30 pm - Nikki Hill
5:45 pm–7 pm - Chris Thomas King
St. Charles Avenue Stage
Noon to 1 pm - Sierra Green & the Giants
2 pm–3:15 pm - James Cotton Tribute with Mark Hummel & Steve Freund
4:30 pm–5:45 pm - Sue Foley
7 pm–8:30 pm – Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials
SUNDAY, OCT. 13
Camp Street Stage
11 am–Noon - Sunpie Barnes & the LA Sunspots
1 pm–2 pm - Mitch Woods & his Rocket 88s
3:15 pm–4:30 pm - James Rivers Movement
5:45 pm–7 pm - Little Freddie King
St. Charles Avenue Stage
Noon–1 pm - Billy Iuso
2 pm–3:15 pm - Eric Lindell
4:30 pm–5:45 pm - Kenny Neal
7 pm–8:30 pm - Leyla McCalla
