Take me to the River Allstars – Joy Theater – Jazzfest – New Orleans

The past 3 weeks have been the most amazing journey full of musical, creative, inspired photography. I have been working with several musicians that were all going to be in New Orleans for Jazzfest this year, so decided I needed to get down there. I started the planning a few weeks before and until the week I left only had a few things on the calendar. I ended up photographing 14 different shows/sessions/projects during the 11 days I was there. Returned to Asheville to a packed schedule that has been nonstop since I came back and edit queue is packed - editing the Jazzfest magic every chance I get between all the other things and cannot wait to share more of what I was so lucky to capture. SO much more to come - as soon as humanly possible. These are all way too special to rush...

I drove the 10.5 hours from Asheville to New Orleans, driving straight into town to park and head to Joy to meet with Datrian Johnson, a mind-blowingly talented singer that is from Asheville. He is working on several projects, one with Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars, and it worked out well I was in town to photograph a few of their performances together. I was excited about the line up for this show, and as the special guests kept showing up and the energy in that place being unlike anything I have felt in a long time - it was such an honor to get to photograph that talent and all the fun they were having.

There were so many great performers - I know there are some missing from this list - grateful for all the love they put into this show and raise funds for their non-profit. Take Me to the River's mission is 'bringing people together to preserve musical traditions, inspire innovation, break down barriers, and elevate our collective souls.' This was such a special thing to be a part of and to kick off the most amazing trip ever.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Charlie Musselwhite, William Bell, Cyril Neville, Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, Anjelika Jelly Joseph, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr and the Wild Magnolias, Omari Neville, Datrian Johnson & The Family Tree, Joe Ashlar, and Robert Mercurio of Galactic as Musical Director.

I hope you enjoy seeing a bit of this magic - and perhaps will look into some of these artists if you do not know them yet. So many great musicians making so much amazing music, so little time - GO SEE LIVE MUSIC!!