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WHO DAT Nation > NYC, Five Years Post Katrina

As the rebuilding of New Orleans continues, and we mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, New York City paid respect to the WHO DAT nation this past week by celebrating the Crescent City’s unique musical heritage with a number of shows.

Bonerama, a three trombone-led rock ensemble from NOLA, started the party last weekend playing two sets aboard the Rock’s Off boat, The Jewel. They paired Led Zep’s song The Ocean (video) with the Allen Toussaint’s “There’s A Certain Girl” and The Meters’ “Cabbage Alley.” While sailing past Lady Liberty, Bonerama eased into the “Star Spangled Banner” segueing into Crosstown Traffic (video) before closing the first set. If you missed Bonerama this time around, you’ll have four more chances to catch them in November. Bonerama plays every Friday at Sullivan Hall as part of a fall residency.

Another favorite moment was Treme Theme song mashed into Love Light.” When you think about it, “Lovelight” is really the musical aunt of the theme song with its similar rhythmic traits and melody.

Thursday night CEG Presents and nolafunk.com threw a great party with three New Orleans acts labeled the Summer JazzFest at Water Taxi Beach.

DJ Cochon de Lait got the crowd grooving to a set list which included the theme music from Treme. It’s almost impossible to escape this highly-contagious, mood lifting and booty shaking HBO TV theme song written by John Boutte, which has quickly become a favorite at any NOLA happening.

High and Mighty Brass Band (or Mighty High Brass Band pending mood) flipped between tunes off their new album and the old school St. James Infirmary (video) even updating the lyrics “Little Liza Jane” to “Little Mary Jane.”

Jon Cleary (vocals and keys) took the stage next with his band Piano, Bass and Drums (James Singleton on bass; Doug Belote on drums). Cleary’s high-energy set was the standout of the evening. His vocals and traditional piano rolls and stylings are so representative of the New Orleans sound that in a matter of seconds you can close your eyes and visit the bayou. Check out these clips:

Headlining the evening was Trombone Shorty a native of New Orleans’ 6th ward (or Treme) who blended soulful vocals, trombone, and trumpet work throughout his two-and-a-half hour set. Shorty is highly charismatic and can definitely work the crowd, check out his version of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” and his own energizing song “Gonna Do to Me” which he sung from the crowded dance floor before jumping up on stage and waving goodnight.