Tuesday, November 13, 2012

On the road again ...

Fred and the New JBs started their November 2012 tour of Europe in Siegen, Germany, on Saturday night, with a tight performance that foreshadows an excellent time traveling through France and into Switzerland and Italy.

In the audience Saturday were young trombonist Thomas Wiggins and his parents. Thomas, a huge fan of New Orleans and New Orleans jazz, sent Fred an email after his idol Trombone Shorty said he had to check him out. After finding out the band would be in Siegen, he and his folks made plans to be there. Thomas, 9, also sent the photo below and these links of himself: click here and here. Enjoy.

Thomas Wiggins with Fred backstage in Siegen.
Thomas playing with street musicians in New Orleans, where he's getting his parents to take him again, soon.

Also, thanks to Chicago promoter Al Kennedy, as well as videographer  Devin Washington and photographers Debra Meeks and FreDrena Brown, for these additional remembrances of the celebration October 27 for legendary DJ Herb Kent, which featured the New JBs along with The Emotions, The Dramatics and more.

Click here for video of the New JBs performance, and here, here, here, here and here for more video from the huge party. Click here and here for some still photos.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Set for one mo' European tour in 2012

Fred and the New JBs are on their way to Europe, where they will tour for just under two weeks. Many thanks to New JBs trumpeter Gary Winters for compiling these links to the upcoming shows.

November 10th: Siegen, Germany

November 13th: Ris Orangis, France


November 14th: Mantes la jolie, France


November 15th:  Angouleme, France


November 16th: Cergy, France


November 17th: Aulnay-sous-Bois, France


November 18th:  Magny Le Hongre, France


November 19th: Basel, Switzerland


November 20th: Milano, Italy

Savoring San Francisco

Sunset Promotions' San Francisco Funk Festival was a blast for Fred and his New JBs, who welcomed as special guests three of the original JBs: drummers John "Jabo" Starks and Clyde Stubblefield, and bassist Fred Thomas. Opening the show at the Mezzanine was the dynamic Lyrics Born and his band. It was a historic reunion and a funky good time. Enjoy the photos below and click here for more.
 Promoters Robbie Kowal and John Miles with Fred and Lyrics Born.
Clyde and Fred

Fred with the trombonist of the Lyrics Born band.
The Lyrics Born band onstage at the Mezzannine.
The New JBs onstage with Lyrics Born and Fred Thomas.