NEW ORLEANS — Aaron Neville recently made his debut at French Quarter Fest. The legendary NOLA figure packed the Abita Beer Stage Thursday, April 6 for one of the sure-fire highlights of the four-day festival. Before his set, which played out on a perfect Crescent City afternoon, he could be seen backstage saying hello to George Porter Jr., and even Trombone Shorty showed up to take in the set. Charles Neville, Aaron’s brother, played saxophone during the show.
Aaron Neville headlines the French Quarter Fest in April 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville headlines the French Quarter Fest in April 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville and George Porter Jr. share a brief moment in between sets at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Charles Neville joined his brother, Aaron Neville, on stage at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville headlines the French Quarter Fest in April 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville plays on a pitch-perfect afternoon at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville headlines the French Quarter Fest in April 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville headlines the French Quarter Fest in April 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Trombone Shorty enjoyed Aaron Neville’s set at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville headlines the French Quarter Fest in April 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville plays the Albita Beer Stage in New Orleans during French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Aaron Neville attracts many audience members to the Albita Beer Stage at the French Quarter Fest in April 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
John Soltes is an award-winning journalist. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Earth Island Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, New Jersey Monthly and at Time.com, among other publications.
E-mail him at john@hollywoodsoapbox.com