[Terra Nola documents the long-distance love affair between a New Yorker and New Orleans.]

Yes, you read that correctly--the famous Neville Brothers will be performing live June 14th, the opening night of summer fest at Prospect Park's Bandshell, located in my home borough of Brooklyn, New York. The concert marks the start of the annual Celebrate Brooklyn series of events.

Perhaps this is coincidence and nothing more, but to me it's a simple twist of fate--or perhaps karma--that while I missed out on all the fun at this year's Jazz Fest due to the arrival of my bouncing baby boy, I now have the opportunity to see what may be one of the top acts to ever come out of New Orleans. Sweet!

Oh--did I mention it's FREE???

Ok, ok. I know many folks have a bee in their proverbial bonnets over the ongoing 'thing' between the Neville Brothers not performing at Jazz Fest since Hurricane Katrina, but I am still excited to see this act in my hometown. (According to my sources, the Neville Brothers didn't play last year due to Aaron's asthma and this year because, as Art Neville said, "...it's got to be right.")

Seriously, though--it's the Neville Brothers. In Brooklyn. Like, less than a hundred yards from my house. Literally--like a hundred yards!!!

In fact, if the baby is not in the mood to be out and about, I can probably open my windows and hear Aaron Neville's sweet, unmatchable voice wafting through the breeze. The only thing I'd be missing is some iced rose mint tea. And, best of all--no waiting in line for the port-o-potties!

I may have mentioned at one point during my completely obvious jealous rage at my colleagues getting to sweat it out among the happy masses at the fair grounds that I intended to create a Jazz Fest-like experience in my own home. Well, now I may get to put my money where my mouth is. I'll have the music and the crowds--I can assure you that anyone who is worth his/her salt in Brooklyn is gonna hightail it to this performance.

I'll even be able to experience the food of Jazz Fest if I can make it to my local New Orleans-style restaurant (take your pick: Two Boots Brooklyn or the new-ish Cafe NoNo). Wait--actually, I forgot! The bandshell performances are extra cool in that one can purchase food from Two Boots at the refreshment tents! Hah! Fried okra here I come! I know there won't be any crawfish Monica on hand to authenticate the experience, but I don't eat crawfish anyway. Betcha they're serving up Abita along with the Yuengling though.

Ok, so what else does that leave? Well, I won't be able to purchase any chatchkas or a Jazz Fest t-shirt--you know, to like, prove that I was there--but I did finally get my 2007 Jazz Fest commemorative poster yesterday. I selected the Congo Square version--those offerings from year to year seem to be just a tad cooler for some reason. This particular poster, titled "ReBirth" was signed by the artist, Terrance Osborne, but not by its subject, Philip Frazier, a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band. It ran me, along with tax, shipping and handling, over $250, which was still cheaper than a trip to New Orleans and entry to the actual Fest, and thereby a bargain.

The only thing left for me to figure out is who's going with me, as it won't be the baby. My guess is he won't like the loud noises. He should be partial to the Neville Brothers, among others, however, as I fed him a steady diet of New Orleans-style music and jazz in utero.

Well, truthfully, the only OTHER thing left to consider is whether the Neville Brothers will return to New Orleans and to Jazz Fest to occupy their traditional (rightful?) spot as the closing act of the festival. Somehow things just haven't been the same without them. Or, perhaps, it was time for a change anyway. Far be it from me to decide. All I know is that I have the luxurious opportunity to check them out and I'm going to do it, one way or another--even if it's from 100 yards afar.

Although it pains me to admit it, the music scene in New York really isn't that great. It pales so far in comparison to New Orleans it might as well be transparent. Sure, there are jazz clubs here and there but they're tiny and expensive, not to mention the acoustics in most settings are less than desirable. All shows at the Bandshell are outdoors, so other than the occasional bus going by the sound is near-perfect.

I'll do my best to get some pics from the show and report back to all ya'll who were unable to see the Neville Brothers. I just hope the show lives up to my expectations. Unfortunately, I've already started building this event up in my mind as the be-all, end-all outdoor summer experience. Either way, I'll let you know how it goes!

Photo courtesy of Diane Ham