MUSIC LINEUP 2023
2023 Rock & Rouge N.O. Talent Line-up October 7th & 8th
Women Who Rock will perfume its community with female-fronted music at Lafayette Square kicking-off a fun filled weekend of female-fronted solo, duo, and trio acts. The all-woman musical line-up will be hosted & M.C.’d by DJ spinning artist, Olivier_Soundsensory. Our Rock & Rouge performances in the park include genres, like, Rock, Zydeco, singer-songwriter and lots more.
SATURDAY “Women Who Rock”
Valerie Sassyfras
12:40 PM-1:50 PM
“Women Who Rock Stage”
Valerie Sassyfras is a one of a kind entertainer! She plays keyboard, accordion, mandolin and loves to make audiences go wild with her “wicked” choreography, often performed with accompanying visual projections.
Valerie has been delighting audiences for more than 20 years! Even though she has strong roots in cajun and zydeco music, Sassyfras continues to surprise crowds with fresh and hip new sounds. Some of Valerie’s songs deal with heavy topics such as heartbreak, hardships, and death, while others speak about hiding pickles, living in a van down by the river, and just plain having a good night out with your girlfriends! She truly covers the gamut of human emotion with her songwriting.
Recently, Valerie has been featured on the Ellen Show, Ridiculous on MTV, and America’s Got Talent Season 14. She has shared the stage with national touring acts such as Tank & The Bangas, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Portugal.The Man, and Marc Rebillet. She was recently on the cover of Offbeat Magazine in New Orleans. In 2020, she was featured in a documentary about her life which won Best Cinematography at the New Orleans Film Festival in 2020 and Best Documentary at Toronto Art House Film Festival 2022.
Crescent City Sound Chorus
Saturday 2:05 PM – 2:35 PM
“Women Who Rock Stage”
https://www.crescentcitysoundchorus.com/
Crescent City Sound Chorus is a membership organization of female singers, who meet regularly to practice, perform, socialize and have fun. We currently have over 45 singers of all ages, all walks of life, from all parts of the South Louisiana area.
PERFORMANCE The main purpose of CCSC is to get out and sing for our community. We sing at annual shows, a number of community events, and at an annual competition. We also perform Singing Telegrams around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. If you’re looking for a unique musical experience to liven up your event, contact us.
EDUCATION In addition to sharing our music with others, another great passion of ours is learning more about the art of a cappella singing. Vocal instruction is a regular part of chorus rehearsals, and a very important component of the chorus experience. A couple of times a year, we will get coaching from a visiting master in the art of barbershop, where we learn many fabulous tricks of the trade.
COMPETITION In the spring of every year, CCSC participates in the Region 10 chorus competition in Houston. Competitions are a special time for quartets and choruses from our region to come together to sing for each other, and get some constructive feedback from a panel of judges. Regional winners travel to the International Competition held every fall.
QUARTETS Most choruses have a number of members who form their own vocal quartets in addition to singing with the chorus. CCSC is currently home to a number of wonderful quartets and we are very proud of them!
AFFILIATION Crescent City Sound Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines, International, a non-profit organization of approximately 30,000 members in choruses and quartets worldwide. The headquarters is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Jamie Lynn Vessels
Saturday 4:05 PM-5:10 PM
“Women Who Rock Stage”
Jamie Vessels creates original New Orleans Roots Rock for the wanderers, the dreamers, the fighters – those who live on the same off-the-beaten path that Jamie has been following all her life.
The singer, songwriter, and guitarist has developed a name for herself in the roots music culture in New Orleans, where her voice and her unabashed honesty consistently create a community out of a room full of strangers. Her new album If I’m Being Honest promises to cast that same spell, armed with bluesy, hard-hitting guitar riffs and lyrics that don’t shy away from the hard and hopeful experiences that make us human.
“Damn Dirty Demons” leads the collection with an unflinching look into the heart of addiction, swamp rock riffs sliding over a cigar box guitar as Jamie sings about the demons that can run our lives without us even realizing it. In the haunting “Eulogy at Joshua Tree,” the songwriter steps into the legacy of legends past as she recounts the ill-conceived Joshua Tree cremation of country music icon Gram Parsons. “Pulse” is a heavy-hearted offering about the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando that left 49 individuals (mostly from the LGBTQ community) dead. A song five years in the making, Jamie takes the opportunity to grieve the hatred and violence that the event represents.
But for Jamie Vessels, honesty hits both ends of the human spectrum. “I grew up Catholic, and it seems like every album that I record has some heaven/hell, demon/angel kind of reference,” she explains. “And I always also seem to have songs about hope and healing.”
Kelly Love Jones
Saturday 5:45pm-6:40pm
“Women Who Rock Stage”
https://www.kellylovejonesmusic.com/
How did you first become drawn to music and performance?
Jones:
I’m what people might call a late bloomer. I got my first guitar when I was 19, from my aunt who was an opera singer. She was a singer, she played cello, she played piano, any string instrument, and she was a great influence in my life. She had a flood in her basement and the only thing that survived the flood was a guitar floating on top of the water. She salvaged that guitar and gave it to me on the condition that I would continue to play music throughout my life. To this day, I’ve kept my promise to her. I feel very proud that I have kept that word. Kelly Love Jones is a born and raised New Orleans native.
SUNDAY “Women Who Rouge”
Women Who Rouge will be a beautiful relaxing afternoon in the park filled with soulful sounds and colors performed by local women musicians of our community. Our female-fronted artists come from genres in blues, country, singer-songwriter and more to round out our Rouge Sunday at Lafayette Square. Meet our Women Who Rouge.
Lani Ramos
Sunday 1:55 PM – 2:30PM
“Women Who Rouge Stage”
Lani Ramos is the founder of the Rock & Rouge Women’s Music & Food Festival & beyond and Rock & Rouge Foundation. The foundation assists women with small emergency medical grants and donates a portion of festival funds raised to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics organizations that run STEAM summer canps, like, Upturn Arts of New Orleans.
Ramos has been a performing artist in New Orleans upon her relocation from Glendale, California in 2000. Ramos hit the ground running gigging up and down Bourbon Street until Frenchmen Street opened up a couple of little bar rooms. It was there on Frenchmen where Ramos developed original music and becoming the first rock chick to perform original Rock & Roll on Frenchmen Street in 2002. Ramos is apart of the 2005 Frenchmen Street gang of Downtown Roulers that developed Frenchmen into what its become today, a legendary music scene. Helping build Frenchmen street, Banboula’s became the next wave of establishments stemming from a friendship between Ramos and the future owner in 2012 letting them know the old mint print shop was available for lease. Ramos was given weekly Wednesdays as a result from Banboula’s opening, October 2013. Ramos was one of very few straight-up original women-fronted rock & roll bands to exist on Frenchmen who played (and still plays) straight up original rock ‘n’ roll shows on Frenchmen Street; nowadays its seasonal and on bigger stages.
Ramos’ rock ‘n’ roll horn band, Big Pearl & the Fugitives of Funk, played weekly on Frenchmen from 2004-2018 until her Rock & Rouge Festival debuted in June, 2018, after which Ramos became a seasonal player. Singing at festivals like Bayou Boogaloo (2016), among others, Ramos and the Fugitives of Funk have graced many stages on a weekly basis like Bamboulas, and subbed weekly for Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps Roule. Always the work-horse, weekly gigs continued through the years at Blue Nile, and simultaneously, on Bourbon Street at Opera House and opening MyBar @ 635, as the original house band twice a week for years in 2008. Big Pearl’s main stay on Frenchmen was Blue Nile 2002-2011 & the Apple Barrel at nine consecutive years 2004-2013 where legendary musicians and vocalists have sung with her and/or sat-in as a guest vocalist, or sitting in with other bands that had other ledgends sitting-in, like, Tom Jones. Ramos weekly gigs always brought together New Orleans Living Legends at the Apple Barrel, like, Uncle Lionel from Treme Brass Band, Trumpter Jack Fine founder of JAZZ VIPERS, & Big Chief Alfred Doucette, Flaming Arrows Tribe. In 2002, before horns were added in 2004, Ramos’ rock band opened for Earl King at the Blue Nile on Frenchmen playing a charity event for Melody Musicmaker Foundation.
Ramos graced the front covers of Breakthru-Media Magazine, 2011, and Viva Nola, 2020, as a dominate personality in both the music business on and off the stage.
Sandra Love & The Reason
Sunday 2:45 PM – 3:50PM
“Women Who Rouge Stage”
Sandra Love & The Reason came to be in the thick of the summer of 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Vocalist Sandra Love, guitarist John Krupa, drummer Rand Lempert, and bassist Derek Dufresne, collaborated in the studio, for many months, eventually recording a 6 song EP demo release in the fall of 2017.
Self described as, Funky Rock, and soulful blues, the band’s uniqueness comes from Sandra Love’s disdain for being put in a box, or being forced to play only one genre. She believes the songs take a life of their own when creativity is not limited.
After calling and knocking on doors, the band soon were playing local shows at BMC, Checkpoint Charlie’s, Old Point bar, Sydney’s and many more. The group filled out their sound with the addition of keyboard player Conner McCready in the beginning of 2018.
2018 continued to be a busy year for the band as they recorded 11 songs for their first full length album, “Manifest Your Dreams” released in May amongst a heavy schedule of live performances, and events.
In 2019 Sandra Love and The Reason adopted the new nickname of SLATR, and Lucas Pettey joined the band on bass, and six months later Mario Fajardo stepped in as the new keyboard player.
SLATR had a stellar 2019, and the climax was being chosen to play the first Homegrown Night at Tipitina’s in five years in Mid September. Playing to a packed, captivated, crowd, SLATR killed it! Their best show to date!
Late in the 2019, Max Valentino joined the band on bass, and the newest member, Bob Danos, joined as drummer in January 2020. New material is ready is already in the works, and SLATR has plans to record a new EP later this year. The group has plans to play bigger, and better, shows, and festivals. SLATR formed for a reason…MUSIC is that REASON…and that’s something they all can believe in.
Dirty Rain Revelers
Sunday 4:10 PM – 5:20 PM
“Women Who Rouge Stage”
https://www.thedirtyrainrevelers.com/
The Dirty Rain Revelers consist of husband/wife duo, Matthew and Melissa DeOrazio, both on guitars and vocals. The music they make has a kinetic energy that connects to roots and blues, and weaves in the human experience through the songs they share. Both lifelong musicians, they’ve been playing together for 16 years under various guises and lineups.
Matthew and Melissa are both originally from music towns (DC and Austin, respectively). They spent 14 years in New Orleans creating, performing, and recording. To date, they’ve recorded five albums, toured nationally, performed at various festivals, built a home recording studio, and established their own music publishing company. They have appeared three times on the television series NCIS: New Orleans, together with working on soundtracks and background music for several other productions.
In the midst of the pandemic, they found themselves in search of sanctuary, space, and a change of pace. To that end, in 2021 The Dirty Rain Revelers relocated themselves to another town known for music – Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Fast forward to 2022, and the live record is finally getting its turn to shine. The songs chosen for Live from the Porch reflect the times we’ve all been living through, and yet have a timeless quality about them.
Forever fans of Bob Dylan, The Dirty Rain Revelers chose to bookend their live album with two Dylan songs (Masters of War, 1963 and It’s Alright Ma, 1965). These two songs set the tone for the mood of pandemic life and in particular, the mood of Summer 2020.
Live from the Porch was released in March 2022 and is available here on the website, as well as on all streaming platforms. The autumn/winter of 2022 will find The Dirty Rain Revelers finishing their studio album, which began in New Orleans, and will wrap up in the Shoals.
Naydja Cojoe
5:45 PM – 6:40 PM
“Women Who Rouge Stage”
Naydja is known to some as one of the reprised DIXIE CUP singers and credits Michael “Soulman” Baptiste and Kermit Ruffins as being in-strumental in her success. She has sung with them many times after seeing them perform at that life altering
FQF. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Michael and Kermit. They embraced and encouraged me.Making people laugh and making her audiences happy is why Naydja says she performs. As she put it, “I have to
be receptive and open to the audience. Once I walk on that stage, I become the entertainer, the artist. It’s not about me; it’s about the people and the joy the music brings to them.”
Naydja’s musical influences are Billie Holiday, Deniece Williams, Whitney Houston, Jody Watley and Chaka Khan. She enjoys Brazilian artist Paula Lima, Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz
And featuring our killer girl DJ spinning vinyl for the weekend
Olivier_SoundSensory
Born and raised in Acadiana, with the Bayou
Teche as her backdrop, Olivier’s Cajun roots have ingrained her with rhythm and dance since her earliest years.*- A pivotal move to New Orleans during the vibrant 90s rave culture introduced her to the enchanting world of electronic music, capturing her heart and imagination. After a hiatus spanning over a decade, Olivier found herself drawn back to the decks. Yet, her focus had undergone a profound shift. Now, she perceives music, sounds, and vibrations as more than mere entertainment; they’re potent forms of medicine.
Guided by this transformative perspective, Olivier channels her as a catalyst for healing and growth in others. With this intention, she utilizes her unique blend of Cajun heritage and electronic music influences to create sonic landscapes that resonate on a deeply therapeutic level. Her musical journey has evolved into a mission, using rhythm and melody to help others embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and restoration.
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The Archive Years
2022 Rock & Rouge Los Angeles Talent Line-up
2022 Rock & Rouge Women’s Music Festival Los Angeles
Angel Peaches & Los Combi darks – 9pm-10pm cumbia
https://www.instagram.com/elcolectivosabinas/
LA native Angel Peaches stems from a background of Cumbia Royalty. Her mother performed and traveled with historic group Sonora Dinamita de Lucho Argain. Since an early age, Angel has been at the forefront of tropical sound scapes, performing with Sonora Explosiva and various musical projects. For her latest venture, Angel teams up with producer, Gimmicks, in a gothic cumbia frenzy known as Combi Darks. Combi Darks grasps influences from Mexico’s electronic sound system culture, while giving moody and melancholic undertones. You can follow their journey through @angel_peaches & @combidarks
Collectivo Sabinas – 8pm-9pm Ska Punk
https://www.instagram.com/elcolectivosabinas/
Big Pearl – 7pm-8pm Rock
https://www.bigpearl.com
Scarlet & the fever – 6pm- 
7pm Soul Reg
https://www.instagram.com/scarlettandthefever/
Azul quetzal – 5pm-6pm Reggae
https://www.instagram.com/azulquetzal1/
Flor – 4pm-5pm TRAP R&B
https://www.instagram.com/florlesliee/
Hellrose – 3pm – 4pm Punk
https://www.instagram.com/hellrosebandofficial/
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2020
The Rock & Rouge 2020 Talent Line-up
Lena Prima (Headliner)
Lena Prima, the daughter of famed New Orleans trumpeter/vocalist, Louie Prima, has become the newest addition to the exclusive roster of artists on the award-winning Basin Street Records. Prima joins ranks with artists such as Kermit Ruffins Brass Band, Dr. Michael White, and Jason Marsalis on the 21-year old powerhouse label based in New Orleans, Louisiana. A seasoned veteran of the music industry, vocalist Prima is rooted in the music of the Crescent City, and in the words of Basin Street Records’ founder and president, Mark Samuels, “She’s a perfect fit for the label.” The new album, Prima La Famiglia, debuted at #10 on the Billboard Jazz Chart and is available on all major digital platforms and stores that sell fine music.
Prima made her return to New Orleans in 2011.
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada her childhood was divided between Vegas and New Orleans. Often traveled with her father on his road trips and frequently performed with him on stage. During this time, Lena’s mother, a classically trained singer, Gia Maione, and the stage partner of her husband, Louis, taught Lena to play drums, which she continues to play on stage today. Lena’s singing career began with rock bands, despite her mother’s objection to her pursuing a music career. While working a series of day jobs, Lena sang with many bands, sometimes sneaking in the back door because she was underage. Lena formed a band, Rough Angel, which recorded an album with producer Geoff Workman (The Cars, Queen, Journey, Mötley Crüe).
While performing with Spiral Starecase on a cruise, Prima, at the urging of some musician friends, put a tribute show together to honor her father. The tribute evolved and grew into the show Prima performs today. With a complete rock & roll swinging horn section, bass, drums and keys, Prima is front and center barreling out “I’m Just A Gigolo” in Louie and Lena Prima fashion.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina and the damage it made to her father’s hometown made an impact on Lena. She brought her band to New Orleans to perform a benefit concert hurricane and flood relief. The visit, coupled with Lena’s appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2010, inspired her to move with her husband to New Orleans in 2011. She continues to call the Crescent City home.
The Vettes
5:30 – 6:15 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
The Vettes at the Rock & Rouge Women’s Music & Food Festival & beyond 2018
Put the rumors to rest The Vettes is, in fact, a family band, but don’t be fooled: they don’t line dance and their father did not lock them in the attic with the instruments as children. “in order to fully grasp the concept one must first dismiss the preconceived notions of all the real life and fictitious family band stereotypes we’ve all come to know and hate,” says Rachel Vette, lead vocalist and sister. Rachel , Todd, Chad, Brian, and Mitch Vette collectively known as The Vettes are all sister and brothers with Mitch being “adopted” into the family as an honorary brother in 2005, a few months after he joined the band; they began performing together in their teens and early 20s as each sibling was individually enlightened with a passion for music within the same year. With influences ranging from one hit wonders of the 80’s like Aha, and Flock of Seagulls to cult favorites Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, oasis, and Elastica, The Vettes is the first new wave/alternative/ rock outfit to come about in some time the actually makes you miss and appreciate the 80’s. Since 2005 The Vettes have been making a mark on the scene of their hometown, New Orleans, La, and the U.S. and have releases countless untitled demo cd’s before officially releasing their T.V. EP in 2008 and a full-length album PLASTICVILLE in 2010. Their next release is due out soon.
Charmaine Neville Band
4:30 pm – 5:15 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
http://www.charmainenevilleband.com/
As the daughter of one of the highly acclaimed Neville Brothers, Charmaine is heir to a rich New Orleans musical legacy but is busy putting her own stamp on this musical heritage. Neville and her band dish out a spicy mix of the best of New Orleans music, from the nastiest of blues to some V-8-driven R & B. Add a funky rhythm and some jazzy ballads, and you’ve got yourself one helluva Crescent City gumbo!
The band, certainly one of the best to come out of New Orleans, is co-led by Charmaine and natty piano wizard Amasa Miller. Devoted fans worldwide acclaim the Charmaine Neville Band. They’ve played festivals and clubs in cities all over the world including Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Zurich, Berlin, Copenhagen, Aukland (NZ), San Paulo (Brazil), Sasebo (Japan) and Barbados. Along the way, Charmaine has appeared with such notables as the Rolling Stones, Dr. John, Bobby McFerrin, Steven Stills, Harry Connick, Jr., and Linda Ronstadt.
It’s no surprise that the band is a popular fixture at the colorful New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and at clubs around New Orleans. And despite their tight schedule, Charmaine and the band always find time for helping others – playing gigs at the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and at numerous local neighborhood and cultural festivals. They’ve even played such odd venues as Angola Penitentiary, where inmates raised the money to bring the Charmaine Neville Band to the prison.
Reviewers have called their shows electrifying, aerobic, explosive. Charmaine and the band mix the hypnotic with the dramatic. Charmaine herself has been described as a crowd magnet, a frisky dynamo, versatile, vivacious, technically impressive. Her talent for comedy, her rhythmic wizardry, her spontaneity, her vocal and dramatic range all make for a spectacular, energetic, riveting presentation. One reviewer claims, “Listening to Charmaine is like swallowing electricity and then washing it down with a roomful of appliances!” · Another writes, “Neville never sings a dull note. She sneers, laughs, swoops high, giggles, scats, glides, talks, and talks again, playing with her words as if trying to catch the music off guard.” In her own words, “I’m an entertainer. And make that entertainer with a capital E!”
“All music is good music,” Charmaine Neville says firmly. “I try to cover the whole spectrum and do just everything. I don’t want to be stagnated and stuck in a rut… People ask, ‘Oh, what category would you put your music in?’ And I say, ‘Good!’ “Born into the third generation of the New Orleans legendary musical family, Charmaine has nonetheless worked hard to get where she is and make her music known as her own. The work has paid off — as one reviewer recently wrote, “Charmaine Neville is beginning to rival her father and uncles in terms of popularity in New Orleans.” She started out backing up The Neville Brothers and went on to perform with The Survivors, a band whose alumni list includes Harry Connick Jr. and Bobby McFerrin. Today, Charmaine and keyboardist Amasa Miller co-lead the now five piece band. Fans flock to catch them at their regular gig, Snug Harbor, as well as to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, where the band has become a well-known attraction. With a new CD (“Before the Storm”) and a guest spot on “Touched by an angel” behind her, as well as host spots for WGBH Radio Boston and a nationally televised Motown special, Charmaine is at her best on stage. “I intend to do this until I’m 115 years old,” she announces. “I’ll be a little old lady on a walker, going up on stage. When I go, I’ll be on stage.”
Big Pearl & the Fugitives of Funk
3:35 – 4:15 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
Lani Ramos, lead singer of her band, Big Pearl & The Fugitives Of Funk (BP&TFOF), moved in the summer of 2000 from Los Angeles, CA, to New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) and is now a premiere singer of original NOLA rock & roll. A member of the Musician’s Union and Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Ramos a.k.a BIG PEARL has always maintained the name is a band name. Big Pearl will be backed by seasoned New Orleans musicians during her Rock & Rouge set.
With a Mezzo-Soprano vocal range, Ramos writes and co-writes original songs of her own. Big Pearl is a well-seasoned performer with extensive experience on Bourbon St. and Frenchman St. She is a sophisticated recording artist that has been featured in duets and back-ups with Dave Sharp of The Alarm, LOVE UNDERSTANDING, Rudy Mills Caribbean Funk, SAINTS IN THE POCKET, as well as New Orleans artists Johnny J & The Hitmen, Big Chief Alfred Doucette, Mike Hood and Billy Ding & The Hot Wings.
Before forming BP&TFOF, Big Pearl credits include opening for New Orleans notable acts like Earl King, Kermit Ruffins, Bonerama and Frankie Ford. Over the years Ramos’ solo credits include back-up performances with Frankie Ford at Tipitina’s, James Andrews & the Crescent City All-Stars and Chili Groove with the Southern University of New Orleans Orchestra (SUNO) at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals. NOLA has no shortage of private parties and Ramos has enjoyed living room sing-a-longs with the great Fats Domino, Father Jerome LeDoux and Dr. John.
Big Pearl will continue to bring the funk and empower women in her community through song on our “Women Who Rock Stage”.
Muevelo
2:40 – 3:20 pm “Women Who Rock Stage”
New Orleans’ Latin music scene is flourishing and it’s latest sensation is Muévelo. Singer Margie Perez and Saxophonist Brent Rose and their talented ensemble take you on a Caribbean musical journey that won’t let you leave the dance floor. They’ve played The New Orleans Jazz Festival, The French Quarter Fest, The Congo Square Rhythms Festival, and Gretna Fest. Catch their monthly residency at Three Keys Ace Hotel for “La Noche Caliente” a hot night of music and dance.
Sandra Love and The Reason
1:45 – 2:25 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
Sandra Love & The Reason came to be in the thick of the summer of 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Vocalist Sandra Love, guitarist John Krupa, drummer Rand Lempert, and bassist Derek Dufresne, collaborated in the studio, for many months, eventually recording a 6 song EP demo release in the fall of 2017.
Self described as, Funky Rock, and soulful blues, the band’s uniqueness comes from Sandra Love’s disdain for being put in a box, or being forced to play only one genre. She believes the songs take a life of their own when creativity is not limited.
After calling and knocking on doors, the band soon were playing local shows at BMC, Checkpoint Charlie’s, Old Point bar, Sydney’s and many more. The group filled out their sound with the addition of keyboard player Conner McCready in the beginning of 2018.
2018 continued to be a busy year for the band as they recorded 11 songs for their first full length album, “Manifest Your Dreams” released in May amongst a heavy schedule of live performances, and events.
In 2019 Sandra Love and The Reason adopted the new nickname of SLATR, and Lucas Pettey joined the band on bass, and six months later Mario Fajardo stepped in as the new keyboard player.
SLATR had a stellar 2019, and the climax was being chosen to play the first Homegrown Night at Tipitina’s in five years in Mid September. Playing to a packed, captivated, crowd, SLATR killed it! Their best show to date!
Late in the 2019, Max Valentino joined the band on bass, and the newest member, Bob Danos, joined as drummer in January 2020. New material is ready is already in the works, and SLATR has plans to record a new EP later this year. The group has plans to play bigger, and better, shows, and festivals. SLATR formed for a reason…MUSIC is that REASON…and that’s something they all can believe in.
Shawn Williams
12:50 – 1:30 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
https://shawnwilliamsmusic.com/
New Orleans’ pioneering voice in “alt-rocka countrybilly serial killer blues,” Shawn Williams sounds like the result of a dirtier-minded Elvis deciding to get it on in the back of some roadhouse saloon with one of those sad-eyed cowboy types that would rather be drinking alone.
Shawn’s sophomore release was named as one of the ‘Top 50 Albums of 2018’ by OffBeat Magazine, and named as one of the ‘Top 10 Albums of 2018’ in Europe’s Country Music People magazine.
Her debut album Shadow (March 2017) is a skillfully-mastered collection of originals that moves seamlessly from old-school R&B-inflected rockers to softer, wistful numbers that evoke the broken-hearted melancholia of the desert. Idiosyncratic, catchy, and rich with local talent, the tracks showcase Williams’ impressive musicianship and unique capabilities as a songwriter. New Orleans’ OffBeat Magazine says, “it’s an impressively mature debut album”.
Williams’ sophomore release Motel Livin’ (June 2018) “throbs with some of 2018’s best-written songs,” says Europe’s Country Music People magazine.
On recording as in live performance, she conveys a sense of rawness, a depth of feeling, and a lack of pretension that set her apart from the rest of the city’s pool of talented up-and-coming musicians.
Shawn has opened for national touring artists such as the Queen of Rockabilly – Wanda Jackson, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Corey Smith, John Paul Keith, The Accidentals, The Way Down Wanderers, Loverboy, and more.
She’s been nominated two years in a row, 2018 and 2019, for OffBeat Magazine Best of the Beat awards.
Dirty Rain Revelers
11:55 A.M. – 12:35 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
https://www.thedirtyrainrevelers.com/
The Dirty Rain Revelers, based in New Orleans, blend roots-rock, blues and Americana into original songwriting as well as bringing their own voices to known and obscure covers.
Featuring Matthew El DeOrazio and Melissa DeOrazio on guitars and vocals.
“Melissa De Orazio’s vocals are a consistently compelling cross-weave of warmth and tension. Spouse and lead guitarist Matthew’s fluid, incisive axe work provides a suitably sturdy response. The NOLA-based duo’s chemistry is well showcased on tracks such as “Who Will Be Your Spark”, “Something” and a most unique take on the George Gershwin classic “Summertime”. https://youtu.be/w_WBwmTErtU
Sole Gaze
11:00 – 11:40 A.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
Sole Gaze(SG) is an original project based out of New Orleans, LA that focuses on lyrically driven songs to invoke feeling and movement. Created as a reaction to songwriter Simone Maya’s passion for both classic soul and psychedelic rock, Sole Gaze incorporates influence from a variety of sounds. SG aims to invoke passion, intrigue and resonance in their listeners by pulling on guitar strings and heart strings alike to create an environment that sets you free.
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The Rock & Rouge 2018 Talent
Grammy Award-Winning, Soul Queen of New Orleans,
Irma Thomas (Headliner)
Born Irma Lee, as a teenager she sang with a Baptist church choir. She auditioned for Specialty Records at the age of 13. By the time she was 19, she had been married twice and had four children. Keeping her second ex-husband’s surname, she worked as a waitress in New Orleans, occasionally singing with bandleader Tommy Ridgley, who helped her land a record deal with the local Ron label. Her first single, “Don’t Mess with My Man,” was released in late 1959, and reached number 22 on the US Billboard R&B chart.
She then began recording on the Minit label, working with songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint on songs including “It’s Raining” and “Ruler of My Heart”, which was later reinterpreted by Otis Redding as “Pain in My Heart”. Imperial Records acquired Minit in 1963, and a string of successful releases followed. These included “Wish Someone Would Care”, her biggest national hit, its B-side “Breakaway”, written by Jackie DeShannon and Sharon Sheely, “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)”, co-written by a young Randy Newman and future country star Jeannie Seely, and its B-side, “Time Is on My Side”, a song previously recorded by Kai Winding and later by the Rolling Stones.
Her first four Imperial singles all charted on Billboard’s pop chart, but her later releases were less successful. Unlike her contemporaries Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick, she never managed to cross over into mainstream commercial success. She recorded for Chess Records in 1967–68 with some success; her version of the Otis Redding song “Good to Me” reached the R&B chart. She then relocated to California, releasing records on various small labels, before returning to Louisiana, and in the early 1980s opened the Lion’s Den Club. Thomas and her husband still own the Lion’s Den Club near the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Down By Law, the 1986 independent film by Jim Jarmusch featured “It’s Raining” in the soundtrack. The film’s actors Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi, whose characters fell in love in the movie, danced to the song.
After several years’ break from recording, she was signed by Rounder Records, and in 1991 earned her first Grammy Award nomination for Live! Simply the Best, recorded in San Francisco. She subsequently released a number of traditional gospel albums, together with more secular recordings. The album Sing It! (1998) was nominated for a Grammy in 1999.
Thomas is still active as a performer, appearing annually at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She reigned as Queen of the Krewe du Vieux for the 1998 New Orleans Mardi Gras season. She often headlined at her own club, but it went out of business due to Hurricane Katrina, which caused her to relocate to Gonzales, Louisiana, 60 miles (97 km) from New Orleans. According to her website she is now back in her home in New Orleans.
In April 2007, Thomas was honored for her contributions to Louisiana music with induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Also in 2007, Thomas accepted an invitation to participate in Goin’ Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino where, singing with Marcia Ball, she contributed “I Just Can’t Get New Orleans Off My Mind”. The same year she won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for After the Rain.
In August 2009, a compilation album with three new songs titled The Soul Queen of New Orleans: 50th Anniversary Celebration was released from Rounder Records to commemorate Thomas’ 50th year as a recording artist.
Thomas was the subject of the 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival poster. She was chosen as the subject before the painting was chosen for the poster. Artist Douglas Bourgeois painted the singer in 2006. In 2010, Thomas rode in the New Orleans parade “Grela”. In April that year, Thomas performed at the Corner Hotel, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
In 2011, Thomas performed twice at the Bluesfest music festival in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. On April 24, she performed on the Crossroads stage, coming on after Mavis Staples; then on April 25, she headlined the Crossroads stage, coming on after Jethro Tull and Osibisa.
In 2013, Thomas was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the “Soul Blues Female Artist” category, which she duly won. She won the same award in 2014.
The Vettes
6:45-7:35 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
Put the rumors to rest The Vettes is, in fact, a family band, but don’t be fooled: they don’t line dance and their father did not lock them in the attic with the instruments as children. “in order to fully grasp the concept one must first dismiss the preconceived notions of all the real life and fictitious family band stereotypes we’ve all come to know and hate,” says Rachel Vette, lead vocalist and sister. Rachel , Todd, Chad, Brian, and Mitch Vette collectively known as The Vettes are all sister and brothers with Mitch being “adopted” into the family as an honorary brother in 2005, a few months after he joined the band; they began performing together in their teens and early 20s as each sibling was individually enlightened with a passion for music within the same year. With influences ranging from one hit wonders of the 80’s like Aha, and Flock of Seagulls to cult favorites Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, oasis, and Elastica, The Vettes is the first new wave/alternative/ rock outfit to come about in some time the actually makes you miss and appreciate the 80’s. Since 2005 The Vettes have been making a mark on the scene of their hometown, New Orleans, La, and the U.S. and have releases countless untitled demo cd’s before officially releasing their T.V. EP in 2008 and a full-length album PLASTICVILLE in 2010. Their next release is due out soon.
Big Pearl and the Fugitives of Funk
11:15-12:05 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
Lani Ramos, lead singer of her band, Big Pearl The & Fugitives Of Funk (BP&TFOF), moved in the summer of 2000 from Los Angeles, CA, to New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) and is now a premiere singer of original NOLA rock & roll. A member of the Musician’s Union and Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Ramos a.k.a BIG PEARL has always maintained the name is a band name.
With a Mezzo-Soprano vocal range, Ramos writes, co-writers original songs of her own and with counter part and lead guitarist, Michael Wheat. In the recording studio Ramos is credited in coming up with original lyrics for back-up parts on independent projects right on the spot while singing and arranging the songs. Her credits include duet/back-ups with Dave Sharp of The Alarm, LOVE UNDERSTANDING, Rudy Mills Caribbean Funk, SAINTS IN THE POCKET and New Orleans artists Johnny J &The Hitmen, Big Chief Alfred Doucette, Mike Hood and Billy Ding & The Hot Wings. Before forming BP&TFOF, Big Pearl credits include opening for New Orleans notable acts like Earl King, Kermit Ruffins, Bonerama and Frankie Ford. Over the years Ramos’ solo credits include back-up performances with Frankie Ford at Tipitina’s, James Andrews & the Crescent City All-Stars and Chili Groove with the Southern University of New Orleans Orchestra (SUNO) at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals. NOLA has no shortage of private parties and Ramos has enjoyed living room sing-a-longs with the great Fats Domino, Father Jerome LeDoux and Dr. John.
Since 2000, Ramos adds to her arsenal most all the clubs on Bourbon Street either with her band or as a gun for hire at clubs Tree Cou House ‘01-‘03, Funky Pirate ‘04, Tropical Isle ‘04-‘11, Snooks Bar ‘06, Krazy Korner ‘04, The Old Opera House ‘04-‘07, Howl At The Moon ‘04, The Red Rhino ‘02 and a weekly 3-night stint at My Bar, 2008-2010. In 2001 Ramos’ first single ARMS OF HEAVEN on compilation In Loving Tibute 9.11.01, was reviewed in Offbeat Magazine as the ‘quintessential song illustrating feelings over questionable tragedy’. Through the years Ramos has performed regularly in Frenchmen Street music venues like Checkpoint Charlie’s ‘00-‘03, Hookah Café ‘03-‘04, Blue Nile ‘02-‘11, Café Brazil ‘03-‘06, Apple Barrel ‘04-‘10, Ray’s Boom Boom Room ‘07, Café Negril 2007, Bicycle Michael’s ‘01, d.b.a. 2006, Lazziza’s ‘07-‘08 and The John ‘03-‘09. Off-shoot venues include Acadian Beer Garden 2001, Wit’s Inn 2001, Howlin Wolf 2001, Silky O’Sullivan’s 2002, Kim’s 940 ’03-‘04, Bada Bing’s ’03-‘04, Gennifer Flowers Kelsto Club 2005, Melvin’s 2004, The Hard Rock Café Dead Rockers Brunch 2004, Tipitina’s ’03-‘05, The Deck Bar 2004, Kajun’s Pub ’06-‘07, Bud Rip’s 2007, Turtle Bay 2009 and The Maple Leaf 2008. One of many career highlights is performing the Janis Joplin segment at the 17th Annual Janis Joplin Birthday Bash & Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame 2004 awards show in Port Arthur, TX where Ramos shared a stage with Archie Bell, Frogman Henry and Jivin’ Gene. Ramos appeared on local news channels promoting her segment at the bash as the “Janis chick” and wound up selling out of her debut solo album, Scoot Boogie Baby’s, Lani Ramos. Consequently, Ramos received write-ups in various local newspapers, like the Beaumont Journal, to welcoming reviews. With an in-store performance at Louisiana Music Factory back in New Orleans, Ramos received wonderful accolades online and was put into rotation on New Orleans public radio station, WWOZ 90.7 FM. From there more write-ups ensued from Biz Magazine, Louisiana Music Commission, and www.louisianamusic.org.
In 2005, Ramos joined a newly formed horn band where Michael Wheat was the lead guitarist. Big Pearl with Jake Legg & The Fugitives Of Funk opened regularly for Kermit Ruffins on Saturdays which started the “opening band” idea to the Blue Nile booker and owners because of its success. The band eventually received their own headliner slot weekly Tuesdays at the club. Up Frenchmen Street at Apple Barrel on Monday nights, Ramos cultivated an old time country/rock blues show singer/guitarist Ken Swartz. The band played sometimes until 4am with musicians sitting in all night long until Katrina. Meanwhile blown away from NOLA into San Francisco California, Ramos landed on her feet with regular weekly gigs at famed Biscuits & Blues music club. More newspaper write-ups followed in the Modesto Bee and San Francisco Examiner. In the Examiner Ramos is pictured between S.F. mayor Gavin Newsom and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on page 5, ‘Who’s In Town Today’, advertising and promoting her shows in the city as a bluesy New Orleans singer.
Returning to NOLA, Mardi Gras, 2006, Ramos reunited with guitarist Michael Wheat and went on to co-write with Wheat 10 new original tunes calling the album BIG PEARL DOUBLE FACES. Ramos’ self–produced New Orleans rock & roll album has songs with funky horns, organ and classic piano, and others, with pop/rock flavors. 3 years later the album was released unmastered at LA Music Factory as a beta copy. The following year the album went on to be mastered and released through Flying Colors out of Los Angeles as a downloadable album and is on sale at CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.com & www.bigpearlandthefugitivesoffunk.com.
Currently, at the Blue Nile, BP&TFOF perform a weekly show on Monday nights playing songs off the album Double Faces. Fans enjoy originals, like, SHAKE THAT JUNK, IN THE N.O., and 1 LAST CIGARETTE, and also, with brand new originals, BIG BRASS BED, BOOTY IN THE BIG CHAIR and BORN TO LOOSE. Ramos is also a writer/producer/star of the band’s music video “Shake That Junk” and television writer/producer/director/star of her own musical/comedy/variety TV show, YEAH YOU RITE! The show airs locally in the New Orleans area on New Orleans Access Television (NOA-TV), Channel 99 Cox Communications, Thursdays, 1:30 a.m. & p.m. Ramos showcases her skills not just in singing and dancing, but in sketch comedy too, with friends that are also entertainers. Big Pearl & The Fugitives of Funk are expanding their live shows with bookings around town and around the Gulf Coast.
Di NOLA
3:00-3:50 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
The female-fronted quartet DiNOLA will perform in New Orleans this February following the band’s wide-release album debut Up High.
DiNOLA is a New Orleans-based rock band featuring Jimmy Ford on drums, Sue Ford on vocals, Eric Laws on electric guitar and keys, and Eddie Payne on electric bass. The band belongs to a rather eclectic genre which can be described as a re-imagining of heavy British Blues in a manner that echoes the rhythm and gothic voodoo of New Orleans.
Up High, produced by Dave Catching and mixed and recorded by Hayden Scott, features the “active rock sleeper” hit title track as well as a cover version of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You.” The entirety of the album was recorded at Catching’s Rancho Del La Luna studio in Joshua Tree, California, and features some guest guitar work by the producer. Lead vocalist Sue Ford hails from Boston originally, but became fully engrossed in New Orleans’ music scene and formed her first all-female rock band Pink Slip and gained recognition as “Mardi Gras’ First Rock Band.”
DiNOLA was born as a collaboration between Sue Ford and husband Jimmy Ford, a former bar owner and one-time manager for the dB’s and Richard Hell. Ford says that she “would allow her husband Jimmy to become the band’s drummer, a promotion from his previous duties as sound tech and roadie for Pink Slip.”
The band is a hodgepodge of typical New Orleans residents; Ford herself works by day as a scenic artist in the film business. Collectively, they are an extended family of post-Katrina survivors with a familiar ardor for musical tandem
Gina Brown
4:20-5:10 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
http://www.ginabrownonline.com/
Gina is New Orleans’ best kept secret….not anymore. She grew up in Mobile, Alabama. New Orleans has been her home base for the past 12 years.
She first started her career as a Radio announcer for WBLX-AM/FM in Mobile. That’s where she started singing commercial jingles. From there her career as a vocalist took flight.
From family functions (which is where it really all started) to wedding ceremonies, underground jazz clubs, outdoor festivals, 5 star hotels and international tours.
After moving to New Orleans she began singing with jazz violinist Michael Ward and still to this date shares the stage with him. She is featured on his first CD.
Gina recorded her first CD while on tour in Bangkok in 2002. Self titled “Gina”. She is on the compilation CD “Fulton Street Live” produced by Harrah’s New Orleans. Currently she has released a single entitled “Cant Stop Thinking Of You” and a Live CD with her band Anutha Level, which are both available now.
Gina’s shared the stage with many artist like, Gerald Levert, Jon B., Pattie Austin, Earl Turner, Fantasia and Ruben Studdard from American Idol…..and let’s not forget her favorites, Bad Company, Roberta Flack, Etta James, Regina Belle, Ann Nesby, the legendary Billy Paul. Her musical style varies from Blues, Jazz, Motown, Pop, Oldies, Hip-hop, Funk, you name it.
Gina’s exciting, exhilarating performance has been seen all over the world. Her travels include: Brazil, Taipei, Taiwan; Yokohama, Nagoya, Tokyo, Iwakuni, Japan; Hong Kong, Bangkok, Jakarta, Indonesia and also a tour in the Middle East Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Her performance is guaranteed to be a memorable one for anyone who sees her.
Experience “GINA”
Carolyn Broussard’s Revival!
5:35-6:20 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
https://www.revivalforthesoul.com/
There is a quality to Southern rock music that gives it a constant upward current. The Allman Brothers Band had it. The Tedeschi Trucks Band has it. Revival! does too, and their name says it all. Of course we’re talking about gospel. Now Is the Time is a collection of seven covers that are securely Southern, soulful, and gospel-influenced. When you’ve got two songs made famous by the Staple Singers, there’s no question where your influence comes from.
Carolyn Broussard is center-stage on this album, but you can tell she’s a team player. Her vocals, despite their power, do not over-extend. She blends naturally with the backing vocals and instrumentation from the band. You can tell she’s really listening to them. A less-measured singer in the same milieu might think that more is more and verge into wailing territory on some of these songs.
The rest of the band have that same cohesive gentleness. The result is a feeling of lightness and warmth that flows through the album. “Satisfied Mind” is the only song on the disc to diverge from that feeling, the guitars cutting loose and the ensemble playing with loud/quiet and stop/start dynamics. Kinda like the Pixies went south
Crescent City Sound Chorus
2:00-2:40 P.M. “The Rouge Stage”
https://www.crescentcitysoundchorus.com/
Crescent City Sound Chorus is a membership organization of female singers, who meet regularly to practice, perform, socialize and have fun. We currently have over 45 singers of all ages, all walks of life, from all parts of the South Louisiana area.
PERFORMANCE The main purpose of CCSC is to get out and sing for our community. We sing at annual shows, a number of community events, and at an annual competition. We also perform Singing Telegrams around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. If you’re looking for a unique musical experience to liven up your event, contact us.
EDUCATION In addition to sharing our music with others, another great passion of ours is learning more about the art of a cappella singing. Vocal instruction is a regular part of chorus rehearsals, and a very important component of the chorus experience. A couple of times a year, we will get coaching from a visiting master in the art of barbershop, where we learn many fabulous tricks of the trade.
COMPETITION In the spring of every year, CCSC participates in the Region 10 chorus competition in Houston. Competitions are a special time for quartets and choruses from our region to come together to sing for each other, and get some constructive feedback from a panel of judges. Regional winners travel to the International Competition held every fall.
QUARTETS Most choruses have a number of members who form their own vocal quartets in addition to singing with the chorus. CCSC is currently home to a number of wonderful quartets and we are very proud of them!
AFFILIATION Crescent City Sound Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines, International, a non-profit organization of approximately 30,000 members in choruses and quartets worldwide. The headquarters is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Summer Fits
9:15-10:00 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
https://summerfits.bandcamp.com/
Summer Fits is a four piece 90’s rock-inspired project led by singer/songwriter Melissa Eccles. Under a previous Indie Pop Rock project called We Landed on the Moon! (WLOTM!), all former members played festivals including Jazz Fest, Voodoo Fest, SXSW, and CMJ Music Festival in New York. They produced three albums charting twice in the College Music Journal, and opened for acts including Train, B52’s and Arcade Fire before parting ways in 2011.
In the later months of 2014, several former members of WLOTM! came together to form Summer Fits. They released a small self-titled EP that was named one of the top 20 albums and EP’s to listen to in August of 2015 by adammarxsmind.com. After breaking for a couple of years to refine their sound and attend to life demands, they are excited to debut their new project in New Orleans!
Summer Fits is inspired by 90’s female fronted rock, with elements of power vocals from the 80’s and indie rock inspired guitar riffs of the 2000s. They are currently working on a new album.
Valerie Sassyfras
8:30-9:30 P.M. “The Rouge Stage”
https://www.valeriesassyfras.com/home
Valerie plays keyboard, accordion, and mandolin. She loves to make audiences go wild with her “wicked” choreography, often performed behind a lighted scrim.
Valerie has been delighting audiences for more than 20 years! Even though Valerie has strong roots in cajun and zydeco music, she continues to surprise crowds with fresh and hip new sounds. Some of Valerie’s songs deal with heavy topics such as heartbreak, hardships, and death, while others speak about roller coasters, living in a van down by the river, and just plain having a good night out with your girlfriends! She truly covers the gamut of human emotion with her songwriting.
Frenchie Moe
12:30-1:20 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
Frenchie Moe was born in France, in 1986. Passionate about Blues guitar and vocals at age 8, she was mentored by British bluesman Victor Brox, whom her father had befriended in a local club. She got to perform in Victor Brox’s band as a teen, hitting her first stages at 12 and starting her first serious band at age 15. She then moved to the USA at age 19, working odd jobs with the hopes of infiltrating the music scene. After 5 years in the Midwest, multiple musical projects, and the mentorship of late bluesman Creighton Holley, ex member of the Chicago Rhythm Kings, she finally moved to her dream city of New Orleans. There she formed a new band and was blessed to write and collaborate with a couple of Louisiana Music Hall of Famers, the late Coco Robicheaux, and the legendary Walter Wolfman Washington.
Yaszmine Foucha
3:15-4:30 P.M. “The Rouge Stage”
Yaszmine Foucha is a 21-year-old of Jamaican Creole descent. She has developed a unique sound through many different influences. In her music, you can hear the benefits of extensive, classical training in jazz and opera. Coming from a family of gospel musicians and spending lots of time in church; has influenced her music as well. Yaszmine’s influences include Rihanna, Janis Joplin, and Amy Winehouse.
Goblin Marquette
1:45-2:35 P.M. “Women Who Rock Stage”
Goblin Marquette is a cross-genre band that plays alternative/folk rock original songs and a few covers. The group comes from a variety of backgrounds, with a jazz tenor sax player, a punk drummer, a classic rock guitarist and bassist, and a folk singer/songwriter. These artists merge to form a complex and passionate sound, withcomparisons including Florence and the Machine and the Alabama Shakes, as well as other alternative and rock artists. You can check out their cover of House of the Rising of Sun by the Animals at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkmCUGvln3c