A native of New Orleans, Henri Smith frequently appeared at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with artists such as Allen Toussaint, The Neville Brothers, Ellis Marsalis and Kermit Ruffins. It was Ruffins who first invited Smith to perform at the Jazz Fest, bringing the singer exposure to an enthusiastic audience. With his sophisticated swing and dramatic delivery of jazz, blues, and Cajun-flavored music, Smith’s career blossomed.
After losing his home to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Smith moved to New England. Here he reconnected with fellow New Orleans musicians including lifelong friend, trumpeter and composer, Stanton Davis, the legendary Amadee Castenell, percussionist Charles Burchell Grammy and award-winning saxophonist Charles Neville (who passed away in 2018) and created the band “Friends and Flavours”
“Friends and Flavours” performs a variety of styles including swing, funk, brass band-second line, R&B, latin, cajun, calypso and blues. Veteran saxophonist Amadee Castenell has recorded and toured with an impressive list of major stars including Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Allen Toussaint, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Etta James, Ruth Brown, Dolly Parton, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, James Cotton, Albert King and Linda Ronstadt. Also appearing are New England favorites percussionist Charles Burchell, “Ben S.” on keyboards, Zwe Bell LePere on upright bass and J. Laite on lead and slide guitar.
This cruise honors the life and legacy of Shirley Lewis, The “Regal Queen of the Blues” without whose inspiration and selflessness, these annual music events would not have been successful.
A full cash bar is available featuring products from Newburyport Brewing Company and other local brewers, and snacks are served. This sunset cruise departs at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $48 in advance and $55 on the day of the event (processing fees may apply) and can be purchased online here. Capacity of the boat is limited so be sure to get your tickets today!
Get ready to party New Orleans style and devour the details of a blues-filled night honoring the late, great Shirley Lewis! See you there!
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