CRBN VP Bob Rosinsky is our resident expert on the local blues festivals.  We’ll be bringing you his recommendations throughout the summer.  First up….

Michael Arone’s 23rd Annual Crawfish Festival

What started out 23 years ago as a get together for transplanted Louisianas in New Jersey has become one of the biggest yearly parties north of I-10.

Featuring Louisiana and New Orleans bands on 4 stages. Authentic New Orleans food such as Chicken Sausage Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp Creole and more will be available at the fest.

But I go for the music, and what a lineup it is! Campers get first shot, as the nightime shows are just for folks spending the weekend.

Friday Nights Festivities start with New York’s own Alexis P. Suter Band, The Malone Brothers, Dave (The Radiators) & Tommy (the subdudes) who recently put on a awesome show at The Egg in Albany. Closing out the Jager Stage will be Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk. For the dancers in the crowd, the Dance Hall will present The Dog Hill Stompers, Feufollet and Grayson Capps.

Saturday’s highlights include The New Orleans Suspects, Bonerama, Dr.John and The Lower 911, another set by The Malone Brothers and everyone’s favorite cajun Terrance Simien.. Saturday night Campers will be treated to The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and The Roadmasters plus The Honey Island Swamp Band.

Sunday wraps up with 2 sets by Long Tall Marcia Ball and her fine band, cajun violinist and singer Amanda Shaw and The Cute Guys, a return of Jersey’s favorite sons, From Good Homes and the day concludes with a set by New Orleans own Galactic.

Lots to do, kids areas, dance lessons, a trombone workshop by Mark, Craig & Greg of Bonerama and meeting some of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet. If you didn’t get a chance to go to Jazzfest this year, in the northeast this is the next closest thing to it.

See you all down front!