Culture

New Orleans Barbecue and Dance Party at Kiser’s Aug. 20


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The New Orleans Barbecue and Dance Party, slated for Aug. 20 at Kiser’s Eclipse (11309 Jackson Dr. The Plains), is a summer celebration of the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans and the influence it has had on American music. This year’s event will feature three bands performing live on an outdoor stage. They will take the audience on a musical journey, from early jazz and blues, to swing, rock & roll, and beyond. A variety of southern style barbecue, New Orleans crab boil, and other food offerings will be available for purchase, as well as beverages, including beer, wine and spirits.

The Athens County Dixie Stompers will start the evening off with New Orleans jazz as it was played in the 1920’s. Bandleader Ernie Bastin has been teaching and playing jazz for over 62 years, and has brought together some of the finest jazz musicians in the region who will perform authentic jazz compositions the way they were played in the early part of the last century.

The Word of Mouth Jazz Band will be one of several acts to bring an authentic jazz sound to the New Orleans Barbecue and Dance Party this weekend. (wordofmouthjazzband.com)
The Word of Mouth Jazz Band will be one of several acts to bring an authentic jazz sound to the New Orleans Barbecue and Dance Party this weekend. (wordofmouthjazzband.com)

Every Tuesday night in Athens, the sounds of hot, swinging jazz can be heard coming from the doors of Tony’s Tavern from The Word of Mouth Jazz Band. Venture inside and you will find woodwind and flute player Ted Harris leading a well-seasoned band of top notch players, capable of playing in a wide variety of genres: from swing standards to Be Bop, from Bossa Novas, to modern jazz – you name it, they can do it.

The Wild Honey Bees perform at the 2015 Nelsonville Music Festival. The group will bring their signature jazzy sound to the Eclipse Company Town this weekend. (Facebook.com/thewildhoneybees.com)
The Wild Honey Bees perform at the 2015 Nelsonville Music Festival. The group will bring their signature jazzy sound to the Eclipse Company Town this weekend. (Facebook.com/thewildhoneybees.com)

Voted Best Band in Athens two years in a row by the Athens News Readers Poll, The Wild Honeybees are a 9-piece band featuring a full horn section and the very talented and charismatic lead vocalist, Emily Singer. They will bring our musical journey up to the present with a variety of songs including some New Orleans street music, R&B, funk, and Rock & Roll, as well as original compositions; all designed to get the audience on their feet and dancing.

Cost of admission: This event is unique in that it is being produced and run by and for the musicians who will be performing. We will be asking for donations at the door as follows:
• Minimum donation: $5
• Suggested donation: $12
• Superhero/Music Lover donation: the sky is the limit!

The New Orleans Barbecue and Dance Party is hosted by Kiser’s at Eclipse and is sponsored in part by Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery of Athens, Ohio.