Trombone Shorty Heats up the Cistern. . I Mean En Fuego Baby!!!

The story of Troy Andrews is one for the books. This 25 year old phenom steps out of his rich culture of New Orleans with his band Orleans Avenue showcasing their unique style of pop, funk R&B and hip hop ties it into a bow and delivers the heat.

His story happens just like most brilliant musicians down in NOLA. He is the younger brother of trumpeter and bandleader James Andrews and the grandson of singer and songwriter Jessie  Hill.

He grew up playing in brass bands as a child and was a band leader by the ripe age of 6! It is no wonder he looks so comfortable on stage directing his mid-twenty something band.

His band consists of Mike Ballard on bass, Dan Oestreicher on baritone sax, Tim McFatter on tenor sax, Pete Murano on guitar, Joey Peebles on drums, and Dwayne "Big D" Williams on percussion.

Put them together and you create what Spoleto guests have not seen before EVER at the Cistern a full on concert complete with people dancing in the aisles. The last time I recall this particular vibe (no pun intended) was when Lionel Hampton headlined the festival finale and the entire crowd erupted into a musical energy that was not only breath taking  but just damn amazing.

Now I will say: it took a bit to convince the more refined crowd that it was okay to get up and out of their sets and dance. However, once everyone was up. . the energy was explosive. It is worthy of note that the harmonics between the 3 horns and shorty's voice are nothing short of brilliant. From the musicality stand point they fit right in  there.

Guests were donning Mardi Gras style beads, waiving white handkerchiefs and  just plain out grooving.

Trombone Shorty heats up the Cistern. . I mean En Fuego Baby!

Spoleto guests were treated to a rare occurrence last night with the 2nd performance of Trombone Shorty at the College of Charleston Cistern. The 25 year old phenom trumpet/trombone player and vocalist offered guests his unique spin on New Orleans Jazz.

Troy Andrews otherwise known as Trombone shorty combines jazz, funk, r&b and hip hop to create his own sounds that had the entire audience up on its feet dancing.

he got his start like many do out of NOLA;playing from the young age of 4. He was leading his first band by the age of 6. He is the younger brother of trumpeter and band leader James Andrews and son of  singer song writer Jessie Hill. Given his musical upbringing, it is no wonder he looks so comfortable directing his band of 20 somethings.

Mike Ballard on bass, Dan Oestreicher on baritone sax, Tim McFatter on tenor sax, Pete Murano on guitar, Joey Peebles on drums, and Dwayne "Big D" Williams on percussion.

The energy was unmistakable. This of course was not your normal Spoleto concert. AS a matter of fact, I can only remember one other time that this kind of  vibe (no pun intended) was displayed and the energy was that contagious. Some years back Lionel Hampton headlined the Spoleto finale and he had people up on their feet and dancing all night. As a matter of fact, he got so into the music that he totally lost track of time and just kept playing and playing and playing much to the delight of the audience.

From Beads being thrown on stage to the white handkerchiefs being waived in the air, one could not help to think how much the sultry summer air and the music and even venue is a reminder of a NOLA jazz fest kind of night.

I will admit, it took some of the more "regular" Spoletians a moment to realize they could get off their feet. Once they did people were dancing in the aisles. . .well dancing everywhere and feeling the amazing buzz that was Trombone Shorty.

Circa. . leaves audiences with their mouths open in impressive astonishment

I have seen my fair share of circus shows. I have done the whole Cirque du soleil thing on a couple of occasions. So this style show was not my first time at the rodeo. . . or so I thought. . . .

I had  the pleasure of sitting in on the rehearsal/press junket for them earlier in the afternoon. . .and saw a few of the performance items that they were going to be offering. While impressive. . It left me with a feeling of well ok these guys are pretty good., . but it is what it is!

With that being said: BOY was I wrong. I have never been so riveted during a performance in my entire life or career. Their expressive use of their bodies. . their sheer strength, the idea that these dangerous stunts were being done without any spotter of safety net. Guys standing on women's heads, crazy trapeze acts. . .

This show is one that had the audience gasping and applauding all at the same time. If you are lucky enough to be able to get a ticket. . . you will walk out after the performance totally energized ready to do back flips down Beaufain Street.

The Red Shoes. . . .enchants. .. .but that's one pricey Prada!

Last night, I finally had the opportunity to enjoy The Red Shoes from the Kneehigh Theater Company out of England. You might remember them as they produced the run away hit a couple of years ago called Don John. The tale is as simple as can be. It's the Hans Christian Anderson fable of The Red Shoes.

The presentation was sheer genius. from the thought of just barely wearing clothes and by barely I do mean barely. Each actor was literally in a pair of white briefs and a white tank top.

As the show began they actors were wondering around in the audience in what seemed to be a daze or zombie like state. Their eyes darkened and moving very methodically. The show began with what looked like something out of Rocky Horror coming out and introducing us to the tale and how the story would be presented.

In true typical Kneehigh form, there is always witty comedy bits put in everywhere. This certainly helped the show's pace.

The original music that at times was haunting and at other times was cartoon like added just the perfect spice to this already spicy performance.

I attribute the show to something like darker Monty Python.

While the story was laid out, the audience was treated to brilliant characterizations fabulous music and an overall brilliant display of talent.