The Writings of Eric E. Jenkins

Last Saturday, the 6th annual Highland Jazz & Blues Festival was held at Columbus Park in the Highland area of Shreveport, Louisiana, and I must say, that it was great. I had a ball hosting the Gazebo Stage and the acts that performed on that stage were some of the best bands that I have ever seen perform.

More than 10,000 people turned out for this free event that is thrown for the purpose of giving the residents of Shreveport and the surrounding areas another opportunity to commune with one another and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Special kudos go to Liz Swaine, on of the organizers of the event and to Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover, who made an appeal at the end of the day for donations in order to be able to continue to bring the festival to the residents. Professor Porkchop was his usual entertaining self. A.J. Haynes lived up to her reputation, the little girl with the really big voice. Howlin’ Henry did his thing and Total Choice had the crowd on their feet, especially with their rendition of Z.Z. Hill’s “Down Home Blues”.

The highlight of the day, on the Pavilion Stage, was the performance of the Rebirth Brass Band. This band had the crowd, including Mayor Glover, on their feet, dancing and singing, especially when they rewrote the lyrics to “When the Saints” by saying “When the Saints, win the Super Bowl”. That got the crowd to yell even louder than they already were.

All in all, the 6th Annual Highland Jazz & Blues Festival was a grand time and I am already looking forward to next year’s festival.

Labels: Highland Jazz, Highland+Jazz, Jazz and Blues, Jazz+Blues, Rebirth+Brass+Band