Here are some of the images from Gambit’s “Big Easy Awards” on 4/23/11. I was there with the band I manage,Ernie Vincent and the Top Notes, who were nominated in the category Best Rhythm and Blues 2011 along with my friends Walter Wolfman Washington and Dr. John……kinda a no lose situation…It was a real nice evening and great hanging out with friends, I wasn’t working the event but of course I had my camera on me and couldn’t resist popin off a few frames. The highlight of the evening was Walter Wolfman Washington receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from none other than presenter Irma Thomas……another classic moment was when Mac received the award for Best Rhythm and Blues 2011, proceeded to the stage to receive the award, and in classic Mac style, accepted the award and immediately said, “I’m givin this award to Walter….” and marched off the stage to present the award to Walter. Johnny Vidacovich and wife Debra MC’d the evening which was as entertaining as one would expect from Johnny V, and there was some really great music including Irma Thomas, Gal Holiday and the Honkey Tonk Revue, and a supa group including Walter, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Dr. John, Ben Ellman and Johnny Vidacovich. Rebirth grabbed a couple awards, which they must be getting used too…. The rest of the winners and details can be seen at this link http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blogofneworleans/archives/2012/04/23/big-easy-music-award-winners-announced It was a great was to kick off Jazz Fest week for sure, 2 more days till day one! Definitely gonna go check out Tab Benoit at Lafayette Square today to keep the ball rollin….Enjoy the pics….jerry icon_wink Oh…… and of course had to stop off at d.b.a. on the way home to catch a little Glen David Andrews…..