By: Corey C Poole
Amidst rain, thunder and lightning, the Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival began with College night on Friday.Various bands played for a crowd gathered inside of the Armory building on Fairgrounds Road.
Rodney Harrington, an attorney and the Entertainment Chairman for the festival, was there to introduce bands and rock out to the music. Harrington is the lead singer of Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, who performed Saturday on the riverbank. He is also on the board for the festival."What sets our festival apart from others is the wide variety of music that we have and the natural setting of the riverbank," Harrington said. "No other festival can compete."
It was the thirteenth year that the festival has run and all of the staff consisted of volunteers. The purpose of the festival is to bring musicians and good music to the Natchitoches area and spotlight some of its great musicians.College night provides a venue for young musicians to perform in public. Last year's "Natchitoches Star," Rebecca Eskew, was also there to enjoy the music scene.
150 Franklin was one of the many bands that played. Members included:
- Stephen Poole (saxophone and flute)
- Dave Combs (lead singer, tambourine and harmonica)
- Ben Kitterlin (drums)
- Robin Rachal (bass)
- Lance Thompson (guitar), Shane Erath (guitar)
- Ariel Obrien (vocals)
The band also has a Myspace page."150 Franklin has a unique blend of classic rock, blues and just enough loudness that is the perfect formula for a new kind of rock," Jessica Paul, senior psychology major at NSU said.
Jeff Mathews, a professor in the Creative and Performing Arts department, is also a member of Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, said the festival highlights jazz and R&B here in Natchitoches.
"I think college night involves college bands and students that come out on Friday night. This might encourage them to come out on Saturday and learn about music that isn't necessarily on the radio or their iPods"
Eskew was also at Saturday's Natchitoches Star competition where the three finalists sang in front of a panel of judges, which included the band Jypsi from Nashville.
- Mandi Ridgdell, a senior theater major, sang "Fever."
- Jarrad Baker, also a senior theater major, sang At this Moment.
- Hailey Mitchell, the youngest finalist, sang Unchained Melody.
Ridgdell has been performing since she was 11 years old, Baker since he was seven and Mitchell has been singing ever since she could hold a microphone.
"It wasn't very stressful, but rather laid back," Baker said. "There was a fee to enter and the first competition was held at The Landing, which consisted of about 10 people."
"Jazz Festival is a great way to get the community together and bring all types of music to Natchitoches," said Chloe De Rowen, junior biology major.
"The crowds here are ready to party," said Mauva Belle, who performed with her band, Hot Water. They performed on Saturday and incited dancing.
At 6 p.m. a band called Adelaide played on one of the side stages. Another band, Soul Crew, performed at 3 p.m. The band took a vacation for a few months before the festival, so they said playing at the festival "was a great welcome back show." Members comprised:
- Coby Michalek (bass)
- Tre Moreland (saxophone)
- Justin Anding (guitar)
- Chris Hampton (drums)
Michalek rolled up his sleeve to reveal a "Rock and Roll" tattoo, which he said illustrates the band's motivation. Perhaps this simple phrase could sum up the entire festival and all of its participants.
Original:
Media Credit: Corey Poole
Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs perform at the Jazz and R&B Festival on Saturday.Amidst rain, thunder and lightning, the Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival began with College night on Friday. Various bands played for a crowd gathered inside of the Armory building on Fairgrounds Road.Rodney Harrington, an attorney and the Entertainment Chairman for the festival, was there to introduce bands and rock out to the music. Harrington is the lead singer of Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, who performed Saturday on the riverbank. He is also on the board for the festival."What sets our festival apart from others is the wide variety of music that we have and the natural setting of the riverbank," Harrington said. "No other festival can compete."It was the thirteenth year that the festival has run and all of the staff consisted of volunteers. The purpose of the festival is to bring musicians and good music to the Natchitoches area and spotlight some of its great musicians.College night provides a venue for young musicians to perform in public. Last year's "Natchitoches Star," Rebecca Eskew, was also there to enjoy the music scene. 150 Franklin was one of the many bands that played. Members included Stephen Poole (saxophone and flute), Dave Combs (lead singer, tambourine and harmonica), Ben Kitterlin (drums), Robin Rachal (bass), Lance Thompson (guitar), Shane Erath (guitar) and Ariel Obrien (vocals). The band also has a Myspace page."150 Franklin has a unique blend of classic rock, blues and just enough loudness that is the perfect formula for a new kind of rock," Jessica Paul, senior psychology major at NSU said.Jeff Mathews, a professor in the Creative and Performing Arts department, is also a member of Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, said the festival highlights jazz and R&B here in Natchitoches."I think college night involves college bands and students that come out on Friday night. This might encourage them to come out on Saturday and learn about music that isn't necessarily on the radio or their iPods," said Mathews.Eskew was also at Saturday's Natchitoches Star competition where the three finalists sang in front of a panel of judges, which included the band Jypsi from Nashville.Mandi Ridgdell, a senior theater major, sang "Fever." Jarrad Baker, also a senior theater major, sang At this Moment. Hailey Mitchell, the youngest finalist, sang Unchained Melody. Ridgdell has been performing since she was 11 years old, Baker since he was seven and Mitchell has been singing ever since she could hold a microphone.
"It wasn't very stressful, but rather laid back," Baker said. "There was a fee to enter and the first competition was held at The Landing, which consisted of about 10 people.""Jazz Festival is a great way to get the community together and bring all types of music to Natchitoches," said Chloe De Rowen, junior biology major."The crowds here are ready to party," said Mauva Belle, who performed with her band, Hot Water. They performed on Saturday and incited dancing.At 6 p.m. a band called Adelaide played on one of the side stages. Another band, Soul Crew, performed at 3 p.m. The band took a vacation for a few months before the festival, so they said playing at the festival "was a great welcome back show." Members comprised Coby Michalek (bass), Tre Moreland (saxophone), Justin Anding (guitar) and Chris Hampton (drums).Michalek rolled up his sleeve to reveal a "Rock and Roll" tattoo, which he said illustrates the band's motivation. Perhaps this simple phrase could sum up the entire festival and all of its participants.
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