On the second Saturday of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival, George Porter Jr and the Runnin’ Pardners played the Festival stage on the fairgrounds. They were joined by a great lineup of brass - Erion Williams on sax, Jeff Albert on trombone, and Tracy Griffin on trumpet. Playing a setlist of classic Meters and Funky Meters and a variety of other funk classics, they kept the crowd moving the whole time. I am still reeling in all the amazing music and talent I witnessed and captured along the way – and finding words to put with this show’s photos has been especially difficult as that was such an amazing experience! Seeing them on the big stage with the sea of people watching was sight to behold and capture – the crowd and musicians were all having so much fun! 

It was truly a pleasure to work with these stellar humans and talented musicians on a wide variety of stages all around New Orleans over the course of my Jazzfest adventures. George Porter, Jr. is a such a wonderful person, epic bass player, and bright light in the musical community as he continuously works with so many players to cultivate and continue the New Orleans Funk traditions. Michael Lemmler is an equally awesome person and impressive musician – bringing the funkiest of funk on his keyboards. Being some of the best humans must be a requirement in this band as Terrence and Chris are great people as well. Terrence Houston, ‘the Groove Guardian’ on the drums keeping the grooves in time while playing off the band in and making it look easy. Chris Adkins on guitar brings all the love and energy to his performances. These four work with lots of other musicians, working to collaborate, create, and grow musical traditions in New Orleans and on the road. They all bring such love, encouragement, and respect to the stage every single show I’ve gotten to see them – together and with other players.

These working musicians are true professionals – they live for creating and collaborating. After seeing so many of them keeping up with the most insane packed schedules for almost 2 weeks straight during Jazzfest insanity, still putting everything into each performance and showing up to support their friends when schedules allowed – I have a whole new level of respect for the drive and inspiration that keeps these musicians constantly in motion. And new perspective of what all is possible in 24 hours…as I am finally wrapping up sharing about this amazing experience.

From expecting to go down to New Orleans for 3-4 days with 2 shoots turning into 14 shoots over 11 days, returning to a packed schedule and busy time of year…I’m still wrapping my mind around all the magic I witnessed, all that I photographed, all the wonderful people I met and spent time with, all the old and new friends – and all the plans already lining up for next year. Thank you Jazzfest for the warm welcome back – cannot wait for 2025!

Photographer: Camilla Calnan Photography

Venue: New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Fairgrounds

Band: George Porter Jr and the Runnin’ Pardners – George Porter Jr on bass – Michael Lemmler on keys – Chris Adkins on guitar – Terrence Houston on drums

It was such a great time getting to photograph the North Mississippi Allstars joined by extra special guests at Tipitina's during Jazzfest 2024. Luther and Cody welcomed to the stage Datrian Johnson with his dynamic voice, the super talented Joey Williams on bass (and guitar for a few songs), Shardé Thomas on fife, and Chris Mallory on bass drum. Joey has been the guitarist and vocalist for the Blind Boys of Alabama since the early 90's and was such a treat to see perform. Shardé and Chris are the RisingStarsFifeandDrumband and just absolutely bring it. The energy in the air during that show was tangible! I was just in awe of all I was able to witness that magic and am ecstatic to share some of it with you.

I have been so lucky to see these talented brothers, Luther and Cody Dickinson, play over the years, starting back in the late 90's in Mississippi. I am so glad to have reconnected with these awesome musicians and to have them back in front of my camera. These brothers work so hard playing, touring, and constantly cultivating connections with other musicians. For the entirety of their careers, they have been diving headlong into personal projects, albums, releases, collaborations, and so much more. These two are second generation creatives, sons of the legendary Jim Dickinson, producer and musician. This family has a big role in preserving and promoting the music of the deep south, the delta, the North Mississippi blues and musical traditions. I was so lucky to have been in Mississippi for high school around the time NMAS formed and have gotten to see their inspiring journey evolve over the years.

This show was an extra special opportunity for me to get to see and photograph Datrian Johnson, Asheville local, friend, and singer extraordinaire performing with this talented lineup. Keep an eye on this man as he is making magic happen, and is working on an upcoming album with Luther that drops this year. He is also working with Robert Mercurio who is and producing his solo project release that will be featuring his mentor, John Medeski, on several tracks playing keys. This man works with quite a few groups in Asheville and is constantly creating, writing lyrics, and singing his heart out, continuing the Appalachian musical tradition that he grew up surrounded by. This man is just a radiant light, supporting and encouraging those around him. He truly has the most awesome voice that once people hear him perform they often become fans. I know that was my experience and I see it happen every time I've gone to one of his shows.

Keep an eye out for all the great projects these amazing musicians are working on. Luther released a children's album in November 2023 you can find out more about by visiting here. Cody just released a solo 'Homemade' album June 21. Find out more about Cody's album visiting here.

It is my pleasure to get to share some of this magic evening with you all - here are some of my favorite photos from that show:

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Venue: Tipitina's New Orleans, Louisiana

Photographer: Camilla Calnan Photography

Venue: Maple Leaf Bar

The Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans has quickly become one of my favorite places to spend time with some of my favorite musicians that have become friends. It is a challenge to shoot in there with the signature dark red lighting, and it is especially interesting to photograph there when it is packed. Tt was definitely a full house during Jazzfest insanity (wait until you see the pic from the back of the venue!). The house crew blows me away with the way they manage these crowds and shenanigans. It is always a blast and I have met the coolest people there! Looking forward to the next chance to come play…

This was my first chance to get to see Toubab Krewe at the Leaf, and it was the best getting to go with a friend I haven’t gotten to see music with since college. …and just like back in the day, I was having too much fun catching up with them to think to take a photo of us. It was his first time getting to see Toubab Krewe live and as a musician, I’m pretty sure he left inspired by their unique musical stylings. This band combines traditional African rhythms with a ‘no borders’ kind of approach where you will find rock, jam, folk, and more, making one of a kind music inspired after almost 20 years of playing together and learning from traditional musicians from around the world. If you get a chance to see this band, go! They tour all over so likely will be somewhere near you – or might be a great excuse to go travel!

Toubab Krewe members Justin Perkins (Kora, Kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (Djembe, Congas, Dundun, Sangban, Kinkini)

Photographer: Camilla Calnan Photography

Venue: Maple Leaf Bar, New Orleans, LA

Band: Toubab Krewe

It is the best when I have a chance to load up the dogs to hit the Blue Ridge parkway in the morning for an adventure before the afternoon sessions and meetings. Apparently, it was a great morning for the bear as well as we saw quite a few out and about. It is a great reminder to keep an eye out for wildlife when driving, biking, or hiking. They can appear out of nowhere and dart into the road often before you know what is happening. See pics of the juvenile bear at the end of this set - he came bounding out of the woods into the road, ambling across to the other side and I was so grateful I was going slow enough to stop for him. If you see bear, give them space, and definitely try to never get between a mama bear and her cubs. 

This adventure took me and my dogs up to Craggy Pinnacle off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is the perfect time to visit that area to see all the rhododendron and mountain laurel in bloom. The shocks of hot pinks against the palette of greens and blues bring me such joy and I'm excited to share these sights with you. 

Craggy has some of the most unique and dramatic trees along this short, moderate hike to the pinnacles. The first one you see in my photos is a black birch, weathered and shaped into this mystical, fairytale tree that you'll never forget once you see it in person. I've never been able to figure out what the next gnarled and twisted tree you find on this trail is, but it is also unlike any tree you'll see elsewhere. The twisted and warped magical painterly looking tree has always mystified me. 

The perspective from this area are always spectacular. The wide open views, framed by the exposed rock, historic rock walls, ridgelines with recognizable peaks in all directions, and being able to see the Blue Ridge Parkway winding around, past the visitor's center and around the bend just inspire me every single time I get up there. 

Cannot wait to share the next adventure soon!

Photographer: Camilla Calnan

Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina