Singin' in the Rain: Swamp Romp at Wolf Trap

June 3

recommended beverage

to go with this show: a bottle of Virginia chardonnay

purchased the day before at Vintage Virginia

The annual Louisiana Swamp Romp at Wolf Trap is always a good time in any weather. While rain diminished the crowd, many did come out, sporting their beads, to dance (in the mud) and celebrate the soul-filled music of New Orleans.

This year, the stellar line-up featured Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie; Steve Riley & theMamou Playboys; (left); Sonny Landreth, and the New Orleans Social Club. It was a fine, rockin' mix of zydeco, cajun, and blues.

ClubD suffered a minor rain delay and sadly missed most of Delafose, who plays truly kickin' zydeco. Landreth skillfully wailed on the guitar, playing a good helping from his new album. Riley played rockin' cajun, complemented by his fiddler, Dave, who managed to keep the violin in tune despite the humidity.

Closing the show was New Orleans Social Club, a group of notable musicians who came together in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to perform, record, and help reconnect musicians to the city and remind the public of the city's incomparable music. The group features Henry Butler on piano; Ivan Neville on organ; Leo Nocentelli on guitar; George Porter, Jr. on bass, and Ray Weber on drums.

Individually, they are extraordinary musicians. Together, they are magic. They played a set drawing from their album Sing Me Back Home, a collection of covers they recorded. The album features numerous other notable New Orleans musicians including Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball, Dr. John, and Trombone Shorty.

Hangin' with the great Henry Butler after the show.