Original story by Andi Bass

For the first time ever the NSU radio station, KNWD
91.7, and the Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival joined forces to
create one jam packed weekend of musical entertainment.

DEMON FEST

In the past, KNWD has hosted its own music festival, Demonfest.

"We teamed up with Jazzfest because we wanted to host an awesome concert in Natchitoches, and that was the best way to do it," KNWD General Manger Clayton Welch said.

Bipolar bear, a Lake Charles band, kicked off the evening followed by rock band Hydrovibe.

The Los Angeles band, Hydrovibe, performed an hour set that included their hit song featured on the Saw III movie soundtrack, "Killer Inside." The Hydrovibe guitarist was picked by Kelly and Sharon Osborne to play lead guitar in Kelly's band.

Shreveport band Built to Speed followed.

"I simply looked for bands I thought would be fun for everyone," Welch said.

A "Scream for Cash" contest was held before the last set. Six groups signed up and were judged by Dash Rip Rock's drummer. A tie-breaker was held between Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and the band A-OK. In the end the A-OK band came out on top, taking home the $300 purse.

Dash Rip Rock, ended the night with songs from their latest album, Hee Haw Hell. The band hit it big in the 80's with a top 10 hit, which has been covered by bands such as Pennywise and 311.

"It started off a little slow, but the crowd eventually showed. It was definitely a better crowd than we've ever had for Demonfest," Welch said.


JAZZ FEST

Saturday's musical selection consisted of 24 bands performing on three riverfront stages. The NSU Jazz Orchestra, Natchitoches Star Performances, Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs were among those featured.

The final two rounds of the Natchitoches Star competition were also held on Saturday. Two previous rounds narrowed down over 30 competitors to just four, ranging in age from 16 to 46, who competed Saturday afternoon in the final rounds of competition.

"It was like a roller coaster ride that lasted from December to
February. I think this is a great opportunity for NSU students to not only get involved but to meet prospective contacts in the music industry," Natchitoches Star contestant and NSU student Rebecca Eskew said.

Eskew was chosen as the 2007 Natchitoches Star after her rendition of Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday's version of "Summertime" and Martina McBride's "A Broken Wing."

"I was so excited. It was between me and this girl who had gone
through Cenla Idol with me. She had made it to the top ten out of 100. She had the whole package, so I figured, "Hey, second place ain't bad!" It is such a blessing!," Eskew said.

Eskew won a trophy, $300 and two hours of studio recording time.

SUNDAY

Four bands capped off the weekend for Sunday's Brunch on the Cane with a soulful mix of gospel, jazz and blues. Local gospel groups started the afternoon performances, followed by music by Steve Wells and Mauve Bell who relocated from New Orleans to Natchitoches after Hurricane Katrina. Shreveport band, The Bluebirds, ended the music festival. Bluebirds guitarist Buddy Flett has appeared on the Jay Leno Show and has toured
with Kenny Wayne Shepard.

The musical talent at Jazz Fest is better every year Eskew said.

"I cannot wait until this year's [the 2008] Jazz Fest. The music will always be the main event people want to come back for." Eskew said.