One of the world’s richest twelve days of music starts this weekend when the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival kicks off Thursday at the Fairgrounds. While each day at the festival allows attendees to experience a range of music, there are also tons of unique late-night shows to choose from.
One of those special music nights will be at the Toulouse Theater on Wednesday, May 1st when John ‘Papa’ Gros presents Papa Plays The Nite Tripper: John “Papa” Gros Tribute To Dr. John.
Gros is a New Orleans stalwart who has been delivering his piano-based rock, funk, rhythm, and blues for over three decades. He has played in support of New Orleans legends like George Porter Jr. and Snooks Eaglin but first truly made his mark when he fronted the funk outfit Papa Grows Funk which ran from 2000-2013 and continues to make periodic reunions. Gros has also released solo albums including the 2020 collection, Central City a rollicking ode to his hometown and musical influences.
Gros spoke with Glide, reminiscing about sharing the stage with Dr. John (and other legends), his upcoming tribute show, and his love of all things New Orleans on the eve of Jazzfest.
You have a long history with New Orleans music, via Papa Grows Funk and your solo records, what made you decide to focus on a night of music from The Nite Tripper during Jazzfest?
As the founding fathers of New Orleans funk were aging and beginning to join the great band in heaven, I knew it was my responsibility to continue their legacy with my own music as well as theirs. Dr. John is one of my biggest inspirations and reasons I do what I do and it felt natural to put together a tribute show to celebrate his contributions to New Orleans music.
How many years have you been doing this tribute? How has it evolved?
JazzFest is quite the musical stimulus for the audience, especially the musicians. Papa Plays the Nite Tripper is something we play year-round and have been performing for the last six years. We frequently rotate many songs in the regular set, so the music is always ready to go. It doesn’t take us much time to put it together but most importantly, the music is in my DNA and I want to share it with the most enthusiastic New Orleans music fans who come to JazzFest.
Do you remember first hearing Dr. John’s music?
In New Orleans, Dr. John is as much a household name as Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino. His music is constantly playing in the clubs, festivals, parades, backyard parties, crawfish boils, and we play it. So, it’s been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I think the first song I heard of his was “Iko Iko” and I might have been five years old at either a Mardi Gras parade party or a family gathering. I latched on to the sound of his voice and never let go.
Did you ever have a chance to share the stage with him?
I was fortunate to play with him a handful of times with the most notable time being for his All Star Celebration, The Musical Mojo of Dr. John at the Saenger Theater in 2014. I was the organist in the house band, and we not only backed up Mac, but also Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Mavis Staples, Jason Isbell, Irma Thomas, and many others. It was a night of playing Dr. John’s music with the biggest of stars but who were also most importantly there to support him. He is so important in the history of American rock n roll.
Is anything special planned for this year’s version of Papa Plays The Nite Tripper?
Between the 9 piece band and Mac’s music, it’s a special night. We stretch and improvise a good bit in each song, so it’s always fun to see how the celebration unfolds.
For those who have never been, can you try to describe New Orleans during Jazz Fest?
JazzFest is like the biggest, freshest buffet of music crammed into twelve days. It’s non-stop from morning, afternoon, evening, night and late night. It’s like steroids for the serious music fan. You can hear traditional jazz, modern jazz, experimental jazz, funk, old school R&B, rock, pop as well as world music. It’s everywhere. And on top of that, the restaurants are packed because music fans get hungry and want to experience the whole shebang.
Your song “Mardi Gras” off Central City is custom made for Carnival season, do you have a favorite time of year, Carnival or Fest? Or can you love them both equally?
The song “Mardi Gras” was written to describe three things I love to do on Mardi Gras Day: watch the Mardi Gras Indians show their new suit, walk and dance with the Society of St. Anne’s and catch the parades with family and friends. Each one is a special part of what makes Mardi Gras unique.
But really, every part of the New Orleans calendar is special to me. It’s hard to fully appreciate the revelry in Mardi Gras unless you endure the heat and humidity of August and September.
The thrill of being outdoors in March, April, October, and November is balanced by escaping the heat and cold of summer and winter. March and April are known as the height of crawfish season, and November and December are gumbo months. It’s always great when the locals celebrate the culture without bringing attention to it. So much of festival season and Mardi Gras is about putting on a show for the world, but there’s nothing like celebrating the ups and downs of life with your family and friends.
We do that 365 days a year here.
What other shows do you have planned around Jazz Fest?
I have a full plate of shows but I’m very excited for my original sets, which I have three:
April 25 John “Papa” Gros at Cafe Istanbul 8pm
April 26 John “Papa” Gros at Blue Nile 11pm
May 2 John “Papa” Gros at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Gentilly Stage 12:30pm
I’m doing a bunch of “Allstar” type shows and they are always interesting to hang and play with great musicians who rarely get to play together. One show that will be a funky good time is The New Orleans Funk Classics at the Joy Theater on Saturday, May 4th.
I’m also excited about Papa Grows Funk’s Reunion the Monday after JazzFest on May 6th at Tipitina’s. It’s rare when PGF plays, but when we do, that magic groove we have comes alive and the crowd eats it up. It’s one helluva a dance party.
Anything else to say to fans?
We start touring immediately after JazzFest, so all my JazzFest shows and tour dates are at www.johnpapagros.com/shows
Also, thanks for supporting me all these years. The love and energy the fans give fuels everything I do. It’s teamwork at the highest level!
Happy JazzFest!
