The New Orleans Music Festival in Périgord celebrates its 25th anniversary

We can see how far we've come since David Paquette's first piano concert at Gamenson Park in Périgueux in 2002. In this difficult period for culture, the event demonstrates "reasoned optimism." This is due to its uniqueness, its roots, and its popular character, in the best sense of the word.

The formula is well established, with the tour and at the top of the bill, Saturday, July 19, the Gran'Circus at the Plaine de Lamoura in Boulazac, in co-production with Agora and Some Produkt. It will bring together 16 musicians.

Expect "Nola Review," a special creation for MNOP, with musicians from New Orleans like Big Chief Juan Pardo, who perpetuates the tradition of the Indians during Mardi Gras, trombonist Craig Klein and trumpeter Mark Braud. Ruben Moreno, virtuoso of zydeco music, will be accompanied by the group Muddy Gurdy, who will create a unique universe with percussionist Marc Glomeau, singer and guitarist Tia and hurdy-gurdy player Gilles Chabenat. Also of note is the presence of Haitian singer Moonlight Benjamin.

These performers will perform on other dates in Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, Saint-Laurent-sur-Manoire (Boulazac-Isle-Manoire), and Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. They will also perform in a parade on the morning of the 19th at the Périgueux market.

The tour will begin in Razac-sur-l'Isle on Wednesday, July 2, with the band Soba. Then, Benoit Blue Boy, a regular at MNOP, will have carte blanche for evenings at the Vaux paper mill, in Payzac, at the Château du Bouquet in Sorges-et-Ligueux-en-Périgord, and in Douchapt, as part of a partnership with Douchapt Blues . Another festival regular, the duo Tiger Rose, will also be back for three concerts.

David Torkanowsky, one of New Orleans' most prominent pianists, will present several programs, including a tribute to his mentor, Dr. John.

At the end of the month, the Tocane-Saint-Apre stop will bring together 10 musicians in the Flyin'Saucers Orchestra. The Bistrot de La Jemaye will host the band Papa Zombie and an adventurous musician, the Marquis de Coconut. Finally, the tour will conclude in Mensignac with singer Miss Nickky, a great voice of Mississippi blues, on Friday, August 1st.

And after the summer, a date is set for the concert of another New Orleans figure, accordionist Johnny Sansone, on November 5 at the Sîlot, in Coulounieix-Chamiers.