Weather throws another curve at Jazz Fest

Jazz Fest fans unfamiliar with the unpredictability of south Louisiana weather got a real shock the last couple of days when the forecast was bass ackwards. Friday was supposed to be OK; Saturday promised tornados. The prognosis was so dire that a number of local bands were told their Saturday shows would be canceled. As it turned out it rained for most of the Fest Friday but the weather turned beautiful on Saturday. The tornados were as bad as predicted but the system missed New Orleans.
The radar screens are clean heading into Sunday, which promises to be a banner finale to the first weekend. Marc Stone, whose just-released album Trickeration and Rascality is well worth a listen, opens up the Acura Stage. Acura has a powerhouse lineup Sunday continuing with a doubleheader from Tab Benoit, first with Louisiana LeRoux then with Voice of the Wetlands. The Levon Helm Band follows with what will undoubtedly be a superb moment leading up to headliners the Allman Brothers.
Congo Square also boasts a killer lineup with Donald Harrison followed by King Sunny Ade, Juan Luis Guerra y 440 and Anita Baker. At the Blues Tent James Andrews and the Crescent All Stars will be followed by the Radiators playing a special set of pre war blues songs. Elsewhere, Theresa Andersson, Marcia Ball and Susan Cowsill all perform on different stages, the Blind Boys of Alabama are at the Gospel Tent and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux leads the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians to the Jazz and Heritage Stage. There are a number of other great sets scheduled but you can't be everywhere at once.