The Voodoo Experience ~ Day Three

Words and Photos by Joe Koch

The aftermath was evident by the recovering concert-goers who had partied for two days straight. All who showed up on day three were there to kick back on their blankets, soak up some sun and enjoy the music. Those in need of some repenting could have taken in The Lee Boys or The Blind Boys of Alabama, who spread the word of gospel through their music.

Blind Boys of Alabama

One of the few bands that I was able to watch most of their set was The Cold War Kids. They entertained the crowd with songs from their new release Loyalty to Loyalty as well as tunes from their critically acclaimed release Robbers and Cowards.

No matter what stage you were at, people had their favorites. There was never a stage with an empty crowd. Ozomatli was no exception. Their Latin/hip-Hop sounds inspired people to get up and dance.

Lupe Fiasco

Another dramatic entrance was awaiting me on the PlayStation stage, as hordes of people flocked to catch the young rapper Lupe Fiasco. This was another impressive rap performance, strong vocally. He surrounded himself with a talented group of musicians and had a positive message: "It doesn't matter who's in The White House. The most important vote is the vote in yourself."

Dashboard Confessional, Panic at the Disco, the Butthole Surfers and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings also performed. When are you ever going to see these acts on the same bill, ever again? Only at the Voodoo Music Experience. I caught most of Sharon Jones' set. With a quick introduction by the Dap Kings (her back-up band) Sharon's powerful presence on the stage is undeniably contagious as they describe their funk/soul sound as the sound of the future. But, man I felt like I was back in the '70s.

New Orleans favorite band Cowboy Mouth was keeping the people entertained as they prepared the main stage for R.E.M. Fred LeBlanc (vocals and drums) from Cowboy Mouth is king at encouraging crowd participation. They are one of the most fun bands to see in concert. Michael Stipe and his band took the stage like the icons they are, ending the three days of music with all of their hits. New Orleans certainly knows how to throw a party!

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