NEW ORLEANS — There may be no other musician who typifies New Orleans better than Kermit Ruffins. The trumpet player and singer, who is a recording artist with Basin Street Records, has been holding down steady gigs in the Crescent City for decades, and he’s a main draw at clubs and festivals around the United States. He got his start with the Rebirth Brass Brand and now swings around town with his own band, the Barbecue Swingers.
His latest album is #imsoneworleans.
Seeing Ruffins in NOLA is a rite of passage, and audience members were treated to one of his performances at this year’s French Quarter Fest. Here are some highlights from that sunny day:
Kermit Ruffins shouts out to the crowd at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins leads the Barbecue Swingers at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins’ latest release on Basin Street Records is #imsoneworleans. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins ensures everyone has fun at his concerts. Photo by John Soltes.
Nayo Jones hits the hight notes at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Nayo Jones is a frequent presence at Kermit Ruffins’s concerts and has a dedicated following herself. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins waves to the crowd at Jackson Square in New Orleans. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins began his career as a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins is a modern-day Louis Armstrong, and he often reinterprets the catalog of the famous crooner. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins is a recording artist with Basin Street Records. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins performs at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Kevin Morris is the bass player in the Barbecue Swingers. Photo by John Soltes.
James Winfield, aka The Sleeping Giant, sits in with Kermit Ruffins for a few songs at French Quarter Fest 2017. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins is one of the preeminent trumpet players in the nation. Photo by John Soltes.
Kermit Ruffins plays regularly at the clubs in New Orleans. 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
