Thousands expected at neighborhood music festival
Shreveport’s Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is growing in its 12th year from a one-day event to a multi-day format.
“We are trying to make this a whole weekend of activities,” Kelly Rich, Highland Area Partnership director, said. “Each year we’ve progressively grown this event.”
This year the free festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 in historic Columbia Park and will feature a full weekend of jazz and blues events all benefitting the festival. A festival preview party will be held from 7 to 10 p.m Sept. 18 at Great Raft Brewing with music by Louisiana Appleseed. Title sponsor Twisted Root Burger Company will host the official after party from 6 to 9 p.m. with music on the patio by Magnolia Mae after the festival ends Saturday afternoon. The festivities will conclude 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at Rhino Coffee with music by Red River Valley Band.
“It’s family friendly, all ages, all demographics. You’ll see picnicking on blankets, tons of dogs on leashes, people shopping, and the food is always amazing,” Rich said. “This has the vibe of a true neighborhood festival centered around the love of our Highland community.”
Grant Nucholls, owner of the Twisted Root Burger Company, said the restaurant is sponsoring this year’s event because the Highland neighborhood is important. “It’s a fun, creative, bubbling neighborhood. It’s a big part of the cultural pocket of the city,” he said. “Every community needs that kind of neighborhood.”
Nine bands will entertain music lovers on two stages throughout the afternoon. Local musicians Buddy Flett, the Matthew Davidson Band, A.J. and the Two-Tone Blues Band and Cameron Merrell, as well as Brian Martin from southern Arkansas and Brian Sivils from Monroe, will perform. Headline performances will feature New Orleans music makers Papa Mali Super Jam with Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and John Lisi and the Delta Funk.
More than 60 food and art vendors will also attend the event. Food will be available from Sweetie Doos Ice Cream, Ki’Mexico, The Twisted Brownie, Woo Hoo Whoopie Pies, Counter Culture, W’s Steakhouse and Marilynn’s Place, to name a few. Other vendors will include Stephen Miller, Karen La Beau, Robinson’s Rescue, the Rainforest Art Foundation, Pink Flamingo Pottery, Zombee Candle, Noel Community Arts Foundation and many more.
This will be Vessel Vintage’s second year to participate at the festival as a vendor. (Last year they participated under the name Olive Street Thrift & Vintage.)
“The energy surrounding the growth and renewal of Highland has been building over the past few years, with a number of new businesses and artists opening their shops and their studios, not to mention all of the great events community members have organized such as [the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival],” said co-owner Evan Stevens. “We’re really thankful to play a part in this community, and enjoy seeing the progress.”
Jane Ryder of Shreveport, who has participated in several past festivals selling hats and accessories, agrees with Stevens. “It draws in a good cross-section of the community. More people will see your products than normally would,” she said.
In addition to the music, food and vendors, there will be a Kid Zone sponsored by Holiday Lanes with two musical performances by Brian Sivils at 1 and 3 p.m. Pets are welcome in the dog area. Pet vendors will be on hand, including Ruff2Fluff, Totally Barkin’ Dog Treats and Pampered Pooch Spa.
Festival-goers won’t have to worry about where to park. A free shuttle will run continuously from Mall St. Vincent, where cars may be parked. There will also be a free bike valet for attendees who want to pedal over to the event. “Seeing the awesome community this city has always makes my heart happy,” said Kimberly Aker of Shreveport. Aker said she enjoys the food and local vendors and is looking forward to mingling with her fellow festival goers.
– Melissa Airhart
WANT TO GO?
For more information about the festival, go to www.highlandjazzandblues.org.
