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| Michael Arnone's 20th Annual Crawfish Fest Over the past 20 years Michael Arnone's Crawfish Fest has become one of the most exciting events on the summer festival circuit, presenting a cornucopia of Louisiana music, food and related culture. The 20th Annual Crawfish Fest, scheduled for Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, New Jersey, will showcase a stellar collection of award-winning Louisiana musicians, including several headline acts from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.Crawfish Fest Campers may arrive at 10AM Friday May 29 and on Saturday May 30 from 8AM until 11AM. The Friday evening show for campers-only and King Crawfish Krewe VIP Ticket holders is a huge event that presents a preview of the taste and sounds that will fill the weekend. On Saturday night, campers and King Crawfish Krewe members will hear a special performance from one of New Orleans' most exciting groups, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Four stages (three of which are under cover) will feature 24 Bands playing New Orleans Funk, New Orleans R&B, Delta Blues, Brass, Cajun and Zydeco. Multiple Best of the Beat and Big Easy award winners Bonerama and the incredibly hot Big Sam's Funky Nation will bring the irresistible dance grooves of New Orleans' brass band sound to the Jager Pavilion Stage. However, that's not all. Two of the best solo artists currently working in New Orleans, the incredible vocalist John Boutte and one of the city's greatest songwriters, Paul Sanchez, will join forces for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance Boutte and Sanchez will also play for the Crawfish Festival fans on Saturday afternoon, May 30. The bill is topped by the outstanding southern rock and soul of JJ Grey & Mofro and one of the most popular bands in the northeast, Assembly of Dust, who will be showcasing material from their upcoming album. The Louisiana content is equally impressive, highlighted by performers Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience and the Pine Leaf Boys-the only bands to win the new Grammy Cajun/Zydeco award. The News 12 NJ Dance Hall will rock nonstop on Saturday as Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and Jesse Lege' and Bayou Brew hold court. One of the most popular bands to play the festival, Papa Grows Funk, will be back on Saturday, along with the electrifying blues of Guitar Shorty, one of the stars of last year's event. Also appearing will be the great songwriter/singer Eric Lindell and the High and Mighty Brass Band. Summer Rae McLaughlan and Polka Dot will entertain on the Kids Stage. Sunday, May 31, may be the single greatest day in Crawfish Fest history; New Orleans' best rock band ever, the Radiators, will be the headliners. One of the most popular performers in festival history, Marcia Ball, will be playing two sets on the main stage and will perform in the dance hall. Tab Benoit, a great blues guitarist and founder of Save the Wetlands, is also on the bill, along with the excellent alternative rock band the Benjy Davis Project from Baton Rouge. The Pine Leaf Boys will be back along with Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, winners of this year's Best of the Beat award for Best Zydeco Album. The also bill includes Janiva Magness, the Matt Angus Thing with Anthony Morgan's Inspirational Choir of Harlem and Polka Dot. The News 12 NJ Dance Hall will feature dance lessons from 11 AM until Noon on Saturday and Sunday. Known as the single most important Louisiana and New Orleans Style Music, Food and Camping festival north of the Mason Dixon line, the Crawfish Fest features an assortment of New Orleans fare including boiled crawfish with corn and potatoes, pork sausage and chicken Jambalaya, grilled alligator sausage, Shrimp Creole, Fried Catfish, raw oysters, Po-Boys and more. Festival enthusiasts, who prefer a more traditional menu, may choose from grilled Portabella mushroom sandwiches, vegetarian Red Beans, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, fruit cups, sno-balls and other desserts. All dishes are $8.00 or less Event artist, Randy Leo Frechette (Frenchy) will be at the Crawfish Fest all weekend, performing his "artistry in motion." Frenchy uses oil on canvas to paint events as they unfold before him. Frenchy calls New Orleans home but he tours the country to paint an array of musical events parades and sports. His impressive works hang in several collections: Steve Winwood, Fats Domino, Microsoft, MTV, Chuck Mangione and the House of Blues, to name a few. Frenchy painted at the Crawfish Fest in 1999. New this year is the Uptown Bar and The Bayou Bar. These covered areas will feature Bud Light, Ketel One Vodka Drinks (Hard Lemonade, Bloody Mary's), Hurricanes and Jägermeister, mixed with an energy drink. Visit www.crawfishfest.com to purchase Saturday or Sunday single day tickets, Saturday/Sunday two-day combo tickets, group tickets, 4-day/3-night camping and The King Crawfish Krewe VIP tickets. Tickets will also be available at the gate. Free parking is available. The Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ are located off Interstate Route 80 at Exit 34B, just one hour west of Manhattan and thirty minutes from the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. For more information about tickets, entertainment, food, crafts and lodging, visit www.crawfishfest.com. Excluded from the Crawfish fest are pets, food and ice chests. Sponsors include Bud Light, News 12 New Jersey, Ketel One Vodka, Jägermeister, WSUS-FM, WNNJ-FM, WFDU-FM, WNTI-FM, International Ticket Company, 84RV.com, State Shuttle and Crystal Hot Sauce. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |