Bayou on the Bay is bringing New Orleans to the North with soulful Cajun music and food. MyNorth Media’s entertainment writer Ross Boissoneau fills us in on the Frankfort concert coming up Saturday, August 13.
Event
Bayou on the Bay brings soulful music and food to a Frankfort concert.
Beginnings
A coterie of blues, zydeco and Cajun music and food, inspired by the birthplace of jazz and jambalaya. It kicks off at 2 p.m. at Stormcloud Brewing Company with a teaser set by Gabriel Brass Band, which will then will march down the sidewalk through Frankfort to arrive at the festival site at 3 p.m.
The Gabriel Brass Band comes from the New Orleans tradition by way of the Motor City. Band leader Dameon Gabriel traces his musical lineage back at least six generations; it was in the previous generation that some family members moved to Detroit from the Big Easy. Detroit trumpet legend Marcus Belgrave was a close friend of the family and member of this group’s predecessor, the Gabriel Family Traditional Jazz Band.
Luke Winslow-King is a New Orleans-based guitarist, singer, composer, producer, and songwriter. His music is an eclectic mix that combines Mississippi delta blues, folk music, traditional jazz, and roots rock & roll. The Cadillac native graduated from Interlochen Center for the Arts. He landed in New Orleans, where he ended up staying after his car, filled with musical instruments, was stolen. Today he travels the world playing songs birthed and blessed by his hometowns.
K Jones and the Benzie Playboys are one of the region’s busiest and most original bands. Band leader Kirk Jones took up the accordion after hearing the music of his heroes and enlisted the other members to keep the zydeco/Cajun tradition alive and well in Northern Michigan.
Style
Blues, zydeco, traditional New Orleans brass band and jazz
Influences and Inspirations
Louis Armstrong, the Neville Brothers, Trombone Shorty, Woody Guthrie, John Delafose, Canray Fontenot, Terrance Simien
Additional Background
Grow Benzie Executive Director Josh Stoltz brought the idea for a festival with him when he was hired a year and a half ago. Last year’s first Bayou on the Bay found 700 people enjoying the festivities, and while he professes to have no idea how many people will attend this year, he said they are prepared for 1,500. In addition to the music (bring your own blanket and/or lawn chair), the event features Louisiana cuisine made with Michigan ingredients, including jambalaya and barbecue pork by Grow Benzie; blackened chicken kabobs, courtesy of Tiki Licious; and a returning favorite from Hotel Frankfort, a Cajun boil featuring andouille sausage, shrimp, crayfish, mussels, corn, and redskin potatoes. All funds raised from the event will benefit Grow Benzie’s community center and farmstead.
The Schedule
- 2 p.m., Gabriel Brass Band at Stormcloud, parade to Open Space
- 3 to 4:30 p.m., Standing Hamptons
- 4:50 to 6:15 p.m., Gabriel Brass Band
- 6:30 to 7 p.m., Barefoot
- 7:20 to 9:10 p.m., Luke Winslow-King
- 9:30 to 11:30 p.m., K Jones & the Benzie Playboys
Quotes
“It’s jazzy. It’s funky. It sounds straight off the streets of New Orleans. It’s the Gabriel Brass Band.” – The Detroit News
“We feel a tremendous responsibility to represent the city and its culture. If you’re going to say you are from New Orleans, you better play good and make sure people are going to have a good time. You know it’s great because people expect a lot out of a New Orleans artist.” – Luke Winslow-King
Venue
Open Space, Frankfort
Date & Time
Saturday, August 13 from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Ticket Information
General admission tickets for the Frankfort concert are $25, ages 14-18 $10, 13 and under free. Available at the gate, or go to GrowBenzie.org
For More
More Northern Michigan Events
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Gourmet Menu at Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Event
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The Little Fleet Hosts Traverse City’s New Near and Far Festival
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2016 Bellaire Rubber Ducky Festival
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