For a city that prides itself in being the live music capital of the world, we sure don’t host as many music festivals as we should. Thankfully, an Austin OG Festival is dusting itself off and bringing some amazing blues musicians back into the spotlight. The Austin Blues Festival is takin over Waterloo Greenway Saturday, April 29th, but it was actually started back in 1999 by Clifford Antone, the founder and namesake of Antone’s Nightclub. The fest ran for three years at what was then Waterloo Park and showcased some of his favorite blues artists.
Blues hall-of-famers like Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles all took to the stage during that time, along with local acts that Antone wanted to spotlight. Waterloo Greenway opened to the public in 2021 and if you haven’t been yet, this look quite different than they did in 1999. “By bringing blues back to the park, we’re paying homage to the original festivals my brother hosted here in the early 2000s,” said Susan Antone, Clifford Antone’s sister. “We’re providing an opportunity for the next generation of blues lovers to experience world-class music at a new, 5,000 seat outdoor venue in the middle of downtown Austin.”
The day-long festival will feature performances by Los Lobos, Booker T’s Stax Revue, Robert Randolph Band, Adrian Quesada’s Jaguar Sound, BLK ODYSSY, The Glorifying Vines Sisters, C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band, and DJ Raquiqui and DJ Mahealani. Blues legend Jimmie Vaughan will appear as a special guest with Booker T. Jones. Jackie Venson and Rebirth Brass Band will also make special appearances.
50% of the profits from Austin Blues Festival will go to support the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. “Our organizations share more than just a love of music — we share a deep passion for supporting the arts and serving the Austin community,” said Jesús Aguirre, CEO of Waterloo Greenway. “We are thrilled to host the Austin Blues Festival in collaboration with Antone’s Nightclub to continue Waterloo Park’s tradition of live music.” Tickets start at $60 and are available at https://www.moodyamphitheater.com/events/austin-blues-festival.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…