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Congo Square Rhythms Festival
 Tribe 101 :: 09.30.07
Congo Square :: New Orleans, LA |
September 30 saw the first annual Congo Square Rhythms Festival presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation Inc. To fully understand the magnitude of this event you need to have an understanding of the history of Congo Square. Congo Square is located in Armstrong Park off of Rampart Street in the Treme. Congo Square was the only place in this country that African slaves were allowed to gather and play drums on Sunday. These African drums and rhythms that once mixed with European brass instruments are credited with the birth of jazz and most modern music. As a music lover, do yourself a favor and learn more about the rich history of Congo Square.
The day started with a service at St. Augustine Church. "The Amistad Mass: A Tribute to the Unknown Slave" featured a musical performance by the Blind Boys of Alabama. From there a second line featuring the Treme Brass Band led us away from St. Augustine and through the gates of Armstrong Park. A light rain gained intensity until it became a downpour when we reached Congo Square, but there was no way to dampen the spirit of this second line. Beaming faces danced along as the parade drew closer to our sacred destination. It was truly one of those moments when you know that you are in the right place at the right time.
The rain didn't last too long, and by the time we were ready for music on the main stage the sun was shining and the day was heating up. The Festival featured two stages, one for dance demonstrations and one for featured musical acts. The lineup included Bamboula 2000, Tribe 101 (replacing Donald Harrison & Congo Nation), Big Sam's Funky Nation and Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk. Big Chief Bo Dollis, who has not performed much recently due to illness, stopped by and seemed to be in great spirits as he watched the action. The day was filled with rhythmic drums and dancing Indians back in the place where it all started (in this country at least). Sometimes you have to go back to understand how to move forward.
 Tribe 101
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 Tribe 101
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 Big Sam
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 Art Neville & Festival Founder Scott Aiges
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 Bamboula 2000 wit Alfred "Uganda" Roberts
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 Bamboula 2000
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 Big Chief Bo Dollis
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 Ivan Neville - Dumpstaphunk
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 Dumpstaphunk with Indians
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 Offerings to the departed at Congo Square
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 Louis Armstrong Statue
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