report from ACL fest

wow! wow! wow! i had the best time ever at ACL fest at preservation hall jazz band's set sunday afternoon in the wamu (i.e., gospel) tent!

i'd seen them on tv many years ago: some elderly new orleans musicians playing impeccable old-time jazz. i like that old-time music--it's playful, it's intelligent, it swings, it's fun, it's human, it compels movement. i figured i'd check them out.

well, the band was anything but sedate. these guys put on a SHOW. i give them my 'most all-around entertaining band' award for ACL fest 2007. i'd see them again anytime they're around.

bringing associations of mardi gras, a couple of guys painted in mime and a spiky-haired singer came out first, the singer singing through an old-fashioned bullhorn mike that made his voice sound like recordings from the 1920s. then the band proper came out and played. composed of men older and younger, whiter, blacker, and cafe au laiter, they got the audience standing and grooving quickly.

early into their set, they played an old favorite that went over well on a hot day. you know the song--ice cream. a couple of younger band members--the adorable red 'froed tuba player and the dread-headed banjo player--started throwing little cartons of ice cream out into the crowd! people went wild!

later in the set, that same tuba player announced that a friend of his had confided that he wanted to propose marriage to his girlfriend in public, and he had arranged for that to happen at ACL. he brought them onstage. the young man got down on his knees and popped the question. there was silence in the tent. then she said yes and the crowd just erupted.

mr. tuba player also appreciated the sister city bond that austin and new orleans have, our mutual love of music. i don't know if he knows how many katrina refugees have landed here, and that we welcome them with open hearts and are proud to have them here.

he also explained that many of the musicians in the band are second- or third-generation musicians. they pass down that passion and talent from generation to generation in new orleans, where music is a way of life.

the band closed their set with "shake that thing," while folks from the crowd came up on stage and danced, and the mimes and 20s singer dude came out, and it sure looked like everyone was having a blast up there, especially the shirtless middle-aged dude who shook and shimmied in front of everyone! i must say, he jiggled with pure joy!

this band has great musicianship--and they know how to have fun. what a pleasure it was to rediscover them.

currently listening to: made in new orleans: the hurricane sessions, preservation hall jazz band