ROCKIN’ ON THE RIVER

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.

The bands included:
• Bipolar bear, a Lake Charles band, kicked off the evening
• Hydrovibe, from Los Angeles, performed an hour set that included their hit song featured on the Saw III movie soundtrack, "Killer Inside."
• Shreveport band Built to Speed followed.
• 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.

"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. 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.

JAZZ FEST

Saturday's musical selection consisted of 24 bands performing on three riverfront stages.

Featured bands included:
• The NSU Jazz Orchestra
• Natchitoches Star Performances
• Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs

NATCHITOCHES STAR

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 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.