George Porter Jr and the Runnin' Pardners at Jazzfest 2024 - Live Music Photography - New Orleans

On the second Saturday of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival, George Porter Jr and the Runnin’ Pardners played the Festival stage on the fairgrounds. They were joined by a great lineup of brass - Erion Williams on sax, Jeff Albert on trombone, and Tracy Griffin on trumpet. Playing a setlist of classic Meters and Funky Meters and a variety of other funk classics, they kept the crowd moving the whole time. I am still reeling in all the amazing music and talent I witnessed and captured along the way – and finding words to put with this show’s photos has been especially difficult as that was such an amazing experience! Seeing them on the big stage with the sea of people watching was sight to behold and capture – the crowd and musicians were all having so much fun! 

It was truly a pleasure to work with these stellar humans and talented musicians on a wide variety of stages all around New Orleans over the course of my Jazzfest adventures. George Porter, Jr. is a such a wonderful person, epic bass player, and bright light in the musical community as he continuously works with so many players to cultivate and continue the New Orleans Funk traditions. Michael Lemmler is an equally awesome person and impressive musician – bringing the funkiest of funk on his keyboards. Being some of the best humans must be a requirement in this band as Terrence and Chris are great people as well. Terrence Houston, ‘the Groove Guardian’ on the drums keeping the grooves in time while playing off the band in and making it look easy. Chris Adkins on guitar brings all the love and energy to his performances. These four work with lots of other musicians, working to collaborate, create, and grow musical traditions in New Orleans and on the road. They all bring such love, encouragement, and respect to the stage every single show I’ve gotten to see them – together and with other players.

These working musicians are true professionals – they live for creating and collaborating. After seeing so many of them keeping up with the most insane packed schedules for almost 2 weeks straight during Jazzfest insanity, still putting everything into each performance and showing up to support their friends when schedules allowed – I have a whole new level of respect for the drive and inspiration that keeps these musicians constantly in motion. And new perspective of what all is possible in 24 hours…as I am finally wrapping up sharing about this amazing experience.

From expecting to go down to New Orleans for 3-4 days with 2 shoots turning into 14 shoots over 11 days, returning to a packed schedule and busy time of year…I’m still wrapping my mind around all the magic I witnessed, all that I photographed, all the wonderful people I met and spent time with, all the old and new friends – and all the plans already lining up for next year. Thank you Jazzfest for the warm welcome back – cannot wait for 2025!