Initial Lineup of the 4th Annual Backbeat Jazzfest Series!

Article Contributed by press | Published on Thursday, March 19, 2009

For 2009 the Backbeat Foundation spreads across the city presenting more than 30 shows with more than 40 acts at 4 venues:  Blue Nile (BN); Tipitina's French Quarter (TFQ); Republic NOLA (RN); and this year introducing the newest addition of the Studio at Colton (SC).  The Backbeat Jazzfest Series: Let's Be Totally Clear, will be offering music lovers and the musicians they love smoke-free environments at all shows.  The Backbeat Jazz Fest Series will provide an opportunity for Festival goers to personally and intimately experience the magic of our music while supporting a worthy cause that benefits the health of our musicians, and the music and culture of our city on the rise.  This is the 4th Annual Backbeat Jazz Fest Series and it kicks off Thursday, April 23rd and keeps the groove going through Sunday, May 3rd.

The impressive roster for 2009 includes highlights such as musical heavyweights Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Booker T at Republic NOLA on April 24th; Ghostland Observatory, at Republic NOLA on April 30th; Cyril Neville with special guests Tab Benoit and Jumpin' Johnny Sansone with The Wild Magnolias featuring Big Chief Bo Dollis and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux at Tipitina's French Quarter on April 30th;and Medeski Martin and Wood at The Studio at Colton Theater on May 2nd.

The series will host additional performances by local standouts such as Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Big Sam's Funky Nation; and national acts such as Dave Matthews Band guitarist Tim Reynolds & TR3; New York City's Soulive; San Francisco's Steve Kimock Crazy Engine; Austin's Grupo Fantasma; and a rare performance by Bustle In Your Hedgerow. Many more acts will be announced soon.  The initial line-up is listed below. The official series websites are  www.backbeatpresents.com and www.nolafunk.com/nola. Advance tickets available through Ticketweb.com and (866) 468-7619.

Backbeat Presents shows benefit The Backbeat Foundation, a Louisiana 501c3 non-profit corporation and are produced in conjunction with New York City-based independent concert promoters Creative Entertainment Group and New Orleans-based entertainment company Hypersoul, LLC.
 
When:   April 23rd - May 3rd, 2009
 
Where:   Blue Nile - 532 Frenchmen St. NOLA.
                 Tipitina's French Quarter - 233 North Peters St. NOLA.
                 Republic NOLA - 828 South Peters St. NOLA.
                 Studio at Colton Theater - 2300 Saint Claude Ave. NOLA           

                 [All Shows are Smoke-Free]

                        
Ages:      All events are 18+ to enter and 21 to drink
Tickets:  Tickets are available through ticketweb.com or (866) 468-7619