The New Orleans Jazz Fest kicks of today, and to help get you in the mood, here’s a fun lil chat with the “Patron Saint Of Funk” himself, Mr. George Porter Jr.
George talks about the evolution of the term “Funk,” how he approaches sit ins and just how eager he is to play “Cissy Strut” for the 14 zillionth time! Also, we’re including a schedule of his many, many shows around the Crescent City throughout the Festival. Enjoy!
Words and video by Rex Thomson
Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis
George Porter Jr.’s Jazz Fest Schedule
April 24th – The Meter Men w/ Page McConnell
April 25th – The Meter Men w/ Page McConnell & Warren Haynes
April 28th – Porter at The Threadhead Patry, Old Ironworks
Band Start time: 5:45pm, End time: 7:05pm
April 29th – Shaggy Fest 8:30pm NOLA Brewing Tap Room
The Trio Plus One @ The Maple Leaf 11pm hit
April 30th (technically Friday, May 1st) – The Maison 2 AM
May 1st – Mardi Gras World – Fiyafest – 2:40pm-3:40pm
Porter with The New Orleans Social Club
Porter @ VOW Fairgrounds – 4:30pm – 7:30pm
The Funky Meters @ Tipitina’s (Uptown) 10:30pm CDT
May 2nd – Porter @ 50th Dead Anniversary The REPUBLIC – 2 AM
Porter on Fairgrounds w/Davell Crawford for 12:30pm to 3pm
Neville Tribute @ Saenger 8pm-9pm
Runnin’ Pardeners @ D.B.A. – 10pm-1AM
May 3rd – Porter @ 50th Dead Anniversary The REPUBLIC
Runnin’ Pardeners on The Fairgrounds 11:15 to 12:05
The Meters on The Fairgrounds 01:55 to 3:10