Voodoo ROCKS!

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New Orleans, LA -
The time has come to talk of many things, of Nine Inch Nails, Wyclef Jean, Stone Temple Pilots and The Gutter Twins. What else could I be talking about except for the amazing line of for 2008 Voodoo Festival the Tenth Ritual. I don't know where to start, the line is out of this world, whether you are a rock and roller or a jazz lover, Voodoo has something for you!

Of course if Rock and Roll is not your thing and sideshows are not be your game, Voodoo is still for you- Le Flambeau area is a tribute to all that is great in New Orleans!

This (excuse my French) kick ass festival is broken up into three main areas: Le Ritual, Le Flambeau and Le Carnival. Last year, there were huge dueling main stages; this year's stages have so many big name bands, it's hard to name a favorite. Every type of music will be covered - REM to Erykah Badu... new bands like Cold War Kids to favorites like Reverend Horton Heat. To get a full listing, go to thetenthritual.com and be on the lookout for last minute additions. Voodoo organizers like to leave the best for last.

Now, the main stages ROCK, but my personal favorite area is Le Carnival. Le Carnival area is local music with a kick- a funky kick! My favorite show is The New Orleans Bingo! Show. It is headed up by local musician, Clint Maedgen. His crazy new sounds take the "alternative" music scene and flip it upside down (literally, a modern day side show). His sultry sound mixed with hand made and found instruments will ease you into another world.

Of course if Rock and Roll is not your thing and sideshows are not be your game, Voodoo is still for you- Le Flambeau area is a tribute to all that is great in New Orleans! Classic bands like The Iguanas and Rebirth Brass Band will keep this stage hopping. Great blues, jazz and brass music will come pouring from this venue. Of course, I have to a favorite, and you should catch him... Big Al Carson. Big Al's home is the Funky Pirate; it's a small bar on Bourbon Street. This is a great opportunity to see him in a different setting and see why they call him Big Al, cause his voice is so big it will fill this outdoor event. Other great must-sees are Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Walter Wolfman Washington (another great local blues artists), the Soul Rebels and Washboard Chaz. Actually, the whole line up is tops, and you can't forget about Marva Wright!

Wow! I am getting myself excited! If you love music, New Orleans is the only place you can be this October. Go buy your tickets now, and I say don't be cheap about it! Go for the LOA Lounge / VIP Experience. It's worth every penny, from the parking to the private bathrooms and amenities. You never know what star or musician will be hanging out there; I won't name names, but last year I got hang out with a certain "Smashing Pumpkins" guy.

So, book your tickets, plan your trip, grab a friend - you gotta be in New Orleans the last weekend of October!