Big names headline Gretna fest

For the past 15 years, the Gretna Heritage Festival has been wowing metropolitan New Orleans with its eclectic three-day musical lineup.

Now in its 16th year, the festival’s band roster has done it again. Where else can you see The Doobie Brothers, Charlie Daniels Band, Irma Thomas, Los Lobos, Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys, John Boutte and the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band within walking distance of each other in October?

Set for Oct. 1-3, the festival encompasses 25 city blocks in downtown Gretna. The event features non-stop musical entertainment on seven stages, carnival rides and games for the younger set, arts and crafts and cuisine from a variety of West Bank restaurants.

“Last year, more than 130,000 people attended our event and helped us raise funds for many local businesses and organizations, as well as state and national organizations including the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America and Knights of Columbus,” Anthony Buckley III, president of the city’s Economic Development Association, said in a press release.

Named to the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 festivals from 2004-09 and the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events in North America for the past four years, the Gretna fest is sure to please virtually every musical taste again this year. Buckley said the festival prides itself on bringing the “Who’s Who” in music – past, present and future.

Opening day, Friday, Oct. 1, features the Little River Band, REO Speedwagon, the Vettes, Sister Hazel, the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Doug Kershaw, Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, Bag of Donuts, Louis Prima Jr., Abdulla the Tent Maker, Skeeter Thomassie’s Swamp Pop Allstars, the Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians and more.

On day two, Saturday, Oct. 2, the Main Stage lineup includes the Radiators, Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and the Doobies. Rockers will enjoy MyNameIsJohnMichael, Dash Rip Rock, and Soul Asylum on the Gretna Fest Stage. Former New Orleans Saint Kyle Turley’s band plays on the Riverfront Stage and, for something totally offbeat, there’s Chicken on the Bone on the Old Post Office Stage. Also, Louis Prima Jr. closes out the night on the Italian Village Stage.

And Sunday, Oct. 3, the Main Stage sizzles with Amanda Shaw, Charlie Daniels and country hitmaker Blake Shelton. The Gretna Fest Stage gets funky with R. Scully & Rough 7, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Los Lobos, while the Market Stage has a New Orleans flair with Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue and Irma Thomas. Festival favorites The Topcats, Bucktown Allstars and the Frankie Ford Show play on the Riverfront Stage. The Old Post Office Stage features Alex McMurray, Paul Sanchez and Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band.

Over on the 4th Street Stage, Junior & Sumptin Sneaky, Big Al Carlson and Tommy McClain, Willie Tee & the Cypress Band perform. Kirk Joseph’s 504 Brass Band and the Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians play on the festival grounds. And at the Italian Village Stage, festival-goers will hear Bobby Lonero, Carlo Ditta and the Yak Pack.

Free shuttles to the festival are available, with free parking at Westside Shopping Center, Oakwood Center and behind Academy Sporting Goods.

Also, a free pedestrian ferry ride from the Canal Street Ferry Dock to the Gretna Ferry Landing is available.

On Saturday, at 1 p.m., ferry passengers boarding at Canal Street can enjoy a free river cruise complete with a jazz band. The Mississippi River Parade disembarks at the festival site.

Admission to the West Bank’s biggest event is $15 per person, free for children 12 years old and under, and $40 for a weekend pass.

For more information, call (504) 361-7748 or visit www.gretnafest.com.