It hasn’t lost its cool. Last weekend, for the 47th annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, thousands gathered on the grassy field in front of the city’s largest stage to watch Pearl Jam play their greatest hits. Later that evening, Boz Scaggs revived the Blues Tent with old school sounds. By Sunday, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were making headlines for their electric performance.And that was just the first weekend. Come Thursday, the Jazz fest will once again draw crowds to the shores of the Big Easy. They’re coming to hear the likes of Stevie Wonder, Buddy Guy and Ms. Lauryn Hill. But they’re also coming to hear the authentic music of New Orleans.Here, in the home of jazz, rhythm and blues, music takes on a life of its own. It is both a way of life, and a form of ritual. To celebrate this, we’ve scouted out five bands that truly reflect the city’s sounds and culture.They may not be on Billboard’s Top Ten list – but they’re as Nawlins’ as it gets. And that’s reason enough to listen.C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana BandFriday, April 29 C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band literally “Can’t Sit Down,” because that’s the title of their latest album. Come Friday, they’ll be on their feet playing Chenier’s Zydeco music (Creole rhythm and blues), adding in some modern funk and R&B to keep things grooving. As homegrown Grammy nominees from Louisiana, this band is one of Jazz Fest’s most anticipated acts.Guitar Lightnin’ Lee and His Thunder BandSunday, May 1Born in the 6th ward in New Orleans, Lee grew up listening to – and eventually playing alongside – some of the city’ greatest rhythm and blues players. With a mission to make it his own, Lee assembled a group of veteran rock and rollers in 1997, including drummer Paul Artigues, guitar slide man Ted Mathews and Marvin Hirsch to form his Thunder Band. The result, say Louisiana locals, is a thrilling mix of old school Nawlins music. Preservation Hall Jazz BandSaturday: April 30The Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from the Preservation Hall venue located in New Orleans' French Quarter. Internationally known for performing traditional New Orleans-style jazz, this classically cool ensemble tours around the world more than 150 days a year, and has been awarded the National Medal of Arts.CC Adcock + The Lafayette Marquis Sunday, May 1C. C. Adcock is the real deal, in that he is a born and raised Louisiana native, best known for his cajun, zydeco, electric blues and swamp pop-influenced sounds. During Jazz Fest, Adcock will perform with his band “The Lafayette Marquis.” Their music sure isn’t mainstream, but that’s partly what makes it cool.North Mississippi AllstarsThursday, April 28As the “Allstars,” brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson pioneered their own brand of blues-infused rock and roll and brought it to New Orleans. Captured in their 2013 album “World Boogie Is Coming,” the brother’s music pays homage to hill country legends and songwriters like RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough.The New Orleans Jazz Fest continues through Sunday, May 1st nojazzfest.com
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