The Grammy winning Commodores are the big name headliner for this weekend’s Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival but, according to Board Member Lisa Prudhomme, this year’s 25th Silver Celebration Festival offers much much more in the way of entertainment for the entire family.
“Sure, we are super excited about the Commodores,” said Prudhomme. “But at the end of the day, they are just one of 25 great bands who are going to be playing on the riverbank this weekend.” Prudhomme reminded that a Friday night show has been added featuring Zydeco great Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators and 80’s hairband tribute act, LA Roxx. Tickets for Friday night’s show are only $10 with active duty military and children 12 and under admitted free.
Prudhomme said that there is a lot of buzz around the return of the Nashville based Journey tribute band Resurrection which will be returning to the festival by popular demand.
“Resurrection played in Prather Coliseum when we had to move the Festival there a few years ago” said Prudhomme. “A fairly small crowd attended because of the move but every person there was totally blown away with their re-creation of a Journey concert. We knew we had to get them back as soon as possible.”
Natchitoches’ own Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs are going to be quite busy as has been tradition with the band at this Festival. They will be joined by several guest performers including county star Marty Haggard, doing a tribute to his father Merle, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Elvis Presley’s guitarist James Burton, and Natchitoches native and former Voice contestant Deshawn Washington.
“The Natchitoches Jazz Fest is always one of our favorite events to play,” said Moondogs keyboardist Henry Reggans. “We feel like we have a great set this year and are really excited to be joined by those other great artists.”
Prudhomme emphasized that the event is family friendly with bouncy houses and other activities for the kids and that there will be lots of food and refreshments, including adult beverages.
She is also excited about the move of the Jazz Stage to the brand new Venue on Front Street.
“The Jazz Stage this year will be in the cool confines of the new Venue on Front Street, (formerly Jimbo’s and The Landing) and it will be a great place to take a few minutes to cool off, have a cool drink and listen to some smooth jazz. We think it is going to be a great addition to the Festival,” Prudhomme said. A festival armband will be required for attendance.
Finally, Prudhomme did point out that while attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs, chairs will not be allowed on the amphitheater or in the area immediately in front of or adjacent to the main stage. However, chairs will be allowed at the other three stages and at the very top of the hill, on the sidewalk and the edge of Front Street. Tickets are still on sale. For more information go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com.
