The Photo Pit -Captures From The 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

July 24, 2019 by Kyra Kverno

: Aaron Neville / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Ani DeFranco / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Al Green / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Chaka Kahn /photo by Kyra Kverno

: Big Freedia / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Trombone Shorty and Mavis Staples / photo by Kyra Kverno

Editor’s Note:

Brooklyn Roads Magazine’s Contributing Photogapher Kyra Kverno shares her thoughts and some magical images of the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival :

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or “Jazz Fest”, as it is known to festival goers, celebrated its 50th year on April 26, 2019. The Festival started at Congo Square in 1969 and cost just three dollars to attend, with mostly local acts and only four stages. It has grown significantly and now has 12 stages, many national acts and is set in a much larger venue. The price of admission has gone up since its’ beginnings a half century ago, but the Festival still provides attendees with a unique musical experience.

Jazz Fest has always celebrated the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. A wide array of musical genres is represented, including Blues, Cajun, Jazz, Gospel, Zydeco, Bluegrass, Country, R&B, Folk, Latin, Rock, Rap and Afro-Caribbean. I can’t think of a festival that offers the same variety of musical genres in one event. Oh! And let us not forget the food. The food choices could create a festival in and of itself! Crawfish Monica, Cochon de Lait Po-Boy, Ya Ka Mein, Cracklins, Redfish Baquet. Oh My!

There are lots of choices to be made while attending the festival. What acts to see, what tasty treats to try but no matter what you choose, it will be the best experience. There are no bad choices to be made.
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Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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