New Orleans Connection

2014 Jazz Fest—A Must See Line-up

Harry Connick, Jr a hit on American Idol

Tickets are on sale now for the 2014 Jazz Fest – officially the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival– scheduled for April 25 to 27 and May 1 to 4, includes a line up of Frankie Beverly & Maze, Al Jarreau, Trey Songz , Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eric Clapton, Phish, Christina Aguilera, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, John Fogerty, Santana, Charlie Wilson, Robert Plant, Chaka Khan, Robin Thicke, Lyle Lovett, Branford Marsalis, the Avett Brothers, the Alabama Shakes, and hundreds of Louisiana-based acts. Advance purchase day pass tickets are only 55 bucks– a real deal considering the cost of live entertainment. It’s well worth the trip to N.O. Contact www.nojazzfest.com or www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.

New Orleans Rapster Juvenile

Juvenile to perform in Covington, LA

Rap artist Juvenile will be among the first national artist to make an appearance at Columbia St. Rock ‘N’ Blues Café on Feb. 8 in Covington, Louisiana, a northern shore suburb of New Orleans. The intimate-style club/restaurant is aiming to raise awareness of the entertainment venue in the area. National acts that are interested in booking can contact Amy Reed at 985-892-9949.

Juvenile is best known for hit singles such as “Back that Thang Up” (ala Hot Boyz w/ homie Little Wayne) and “Slow Motion.” His tenth studio album, “Rejuvenation,” was released in 2012.

Personality + Harry Connick, Jr. Rising Star of Idol

Jazz artist and actor Harry Connick, Jr. has made a big splash on Idol. One Idol faithful told me she hated all the bickering on the show between judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj . “Connick has made it so nice to watch again”, she said.

“American Idol” is 13 years old and Connick brings the show a level of fun, professionalism and what the show is about—the music. Last season, the ratings took and nose dive.

A New Orleans native, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he and fellow musician and New Orleanian Branford Marsalis, created the Musicians’ Village in the Upper Ninth Ward. The Village provides homes for musicians and other displaced citizens, a community center with a performance hall, recording studio and after-school facility for kids. His contributions to the post-Katrina effort have been acknowledged by a Redbook Strength and Spirit Award and honorary degree from Tulane University