All (in the Cabaret Tent) Will Hear the Gospel

The magic mushrooms were in full bloom at La Fete de Marquette this year.

I went down early on Saturday to (finally) see The Campbell Brothers, masters of Sacred Steel, sacred music played with steel guitars. They're one of those bands that I've meant to go witness live for many years but somehow never got around to it when they were in town. I first encountered their music back in 1999 or 2000 when I heard a track from the Sacred Steel Live! compilation on WORT. If memory serves, it was "God Is a Good God" and the fact that I bought the album based on hearing that song alone is testament to just how great it is.

Opening for The Campbell Brothers was the Fountain of Life Church Choir. 

Overall, they were good. Some of the songs were a bit too modern in feel for me, still, there were some real bangers. The solo spots were incredible. Simply beautiful.

(Sorry about the poor quality here - cheap phone cam zoom.)

Either during their set break or after they were finished, I went outside and ran into a marching band led by someone in colors from The Big Easy.

Not soon enough, The Campbell Brothers took the stage. They played an instrumental or 2 before introducing the lovely Denise Brown who would sing for us. 

At this point, it was off to the races.

They were absolutely fantastic! I believe that's Philip Campbell there on guitar and he noted that what they were playing is what they play in church back home in Rochester(?), New York. Their worship services must be quite something.

During one song, I stood there boppin' like a white guy and then bowed my head and closed my eyes as the music washed over me. Tears welled and it took no small effort to hold them back. Their music is so beautiful, so upbeat and positive that it's nigh impossible to feel the joy wiggle its way into you.

For the finale, some of the ladies from the Fountain of Life Church Choir returned. It was sublime. 

 

 

Note to self: always go see The Campbell Brothers when they are in town. Or just near town.

 

Because zydeco kicks butt, I returned on Sunday for a healthy serving of it courtesy of Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers. I was completely unfamiliar with them but they delivered the goods with some great Creole party music.

 

For the finish, Dopsie brought onstage two comely ladies in appropriate attire for some sing along.

 

I found myself craving gumbo after the show but settled for jerk pork.

 

You just can't go wrong with zydeco.

 

Until next year, La Fete. Let there be less rain.