January 24, 2021
Aaron Neville at 80
Ahead of his big 80th birthday, Aaron was interviewed by TIDAL Magazine about his career, influences and his imitable singing style. Check out the full piece here.
June 16, 2020
AARP Magazine – Coping With Quarantine
AARP – David Hochman: As America (and the world) continues to shelter in place to stem the spread of COVID-19, we are discovering that social media offer more glimpses than ever into the lives (and living rooms) of actors, musicians and journalists. Hear more on how some famed personalities are coping during the pandemic — and what they’re learning about the world and themselves in the process.
Aaron Neville, 79, soul and R&B vocalist and musician
Currently sheltering: At home with his wife, Sarah Ann Friedman
COURTESY OF SARAH A FRIEDMAN
Aaron Neville watering plants inside the greenhouse at his New York farm.
“They said that being almost 80, I would be a prime candidate to get the virus. Plus, I have asthma. I don’t want to get sick. So, I canceled my tour dates and we’ve been home and isolated on our farm in New York. Sarah runs the farm. I do the watering in the greenhouse and whatever else I can. We have about 100 chickens, plus strawberries, tomatoes and honeybees. We have enough food in our freezer thanks to two cows we used to have. Their names were T-Bone and Ribeye. Being from New Orleans, I make a lot of red beans.
“Our living room is now a recording studio. I have my piano plugged into the computer and I play free concerts on Sunday on Facebook. I’m drawn back, almost in a reverie in my mind, to playing the stuff I heard when I was a kid. I play spiritual music. I play doo-wop. It’s what I’m connecting with the most, and it’s bringing so much comfort right now.
“The rest of the time I’m doing what everybody else is doing. I’m staying in. Playing solitaire sometimes. Playing dominoes. Walking out in the yard with my dog, Apache. He’s a shih tzu Pomeranian. About 15 pounds, but he thinks he’s 100 pounds. In the afternoons, I watch my soaps. The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
“We have a plethora of trees here. I call them my cathedraI. I’ll sit out there and I’ll pray. I pray all the time lately. I pray for my family. I pray for New Orleans. It’s sad what’s going on in my city. So many people sick. I feel for them. I feel for the whole world, wherever people are suffering. I pray and I sing. That’s getting me through. They say he that sings prays twice. What else can you really do?”
April 23, 2020
Jazz Festing In Place – 2020
Thanks to WWOZ, this year we’re ‘Jazz Festing In Place’ for everyone’s health and safety. Join me Friday, April 24th at 11:00am (NOLA time) to hear my Gospel Tent set from 2010. And tune in all weekend and next for broadcasts from the last 50 years of Jazz Fest! Listen live here: http://wwoz.org/listen/player/
March 21, 2020
Warm Your Heart – Live Stream
Please join me this Sunday for a live stream from Freville Farm, LLC, at 1pm ET. Attending Church is very important to me. In absence during this time, I have been tuning into Mass on TV and the internet like many of you. I’m looking forward to bringing you all some spiritual music in hopes that it adds to our unified healing.
March 13, 2020
Jazz Fest & Tampa Bay Blues Festival – Postponed
My performances at this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival & Tampa Bay Blues Festival has been officially postponed. Jazz Fest is being postponed to the Fall (official dates will be forthcoming) and the Tampa Bay Blues Fest will be taking place in April 2021.
See full statements below from the festivals with more details for ticket-holders.
***
JAZZ FEST 2020 TO BE RESCHEDULED FOR THE FALL
At the direction of City of New Orleans authorities, in response to ongoing COVID-19 health concerns, the 2020 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell will not occur this April and May, as scheduled. The health and safety of the community, our musicians, Festival fans, participants, sponsors and staff are paramount, and we urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials.
Jazz Fest 2020 will now take place in the fall. We will announce exact dates and additional details soon. All purchases for the original dates will be honored for the fall dates.
Thank you for your support and patience, and we look forward to seeing everyone this fall.
***
TAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL
After consultations with the Mayor’s office for the City of St Petersburg, we have learned that our festival scheduled for April 3, 4, 5, 2020 must be rescheduled for a later date. We did everything within our power to save the event, but the corona virus and health concerns in Florida have mandated this result.
All ticket and VIP buyers will be honored on our rescheduled date. We do believe the festival will return on April 9, 10, 11, 2021. For those desiring a refund, arrangements will be made to return monies paid to us through Etix or otherwise. Details will be provided here, as soon as we have more information.
We are very saddened by this development, but these circumstances are beyond our control. Our City manages the use of Vinoy Park, and has removed the venue as an option for us.
We are so very grateful for our tremendously loyal fans and sponsors who support us every year. Your well-being is paramount in our thinking and we hope you’ll join us again at the next Tampa Bay Blues Festival. Please stay safe and know that we truly care about each of you. Best wishes!
December 12, 2019
Aaron Neville – Annual Christmas Shows + Spring Tour Dates
Aaron and the band head out this weekend for their annual Christmas shows at Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi, MS and L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge. Some tickets are still available here.
We’re also happy to announce some tour dates for the Winter and Spring for Aaron and pianist Mike Goods. Check them out below and get tickets and more info on the Tour page here.
February 22, 2020 – St. Louis, MO – Powell Hall
April 16, 2020 – South Orange, NJ – SOPAC
April 17, 2020 – Port Washington, NY – Landmark on Main Street
April 18, 2020 – Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall
July 23, 2019
Art “Poppa Funk” Neville – (1937-2019)
My big brother Artie / AKA Poppa Funk was the patriarch of the Neville tribe, big chief, a legend from way way back, my first inspiration. I would try and copy his style, his high natural tenor that only he could do. He and Izzy Koo taught me how to do harmonies when we lived in the Calliope Projects. I was 13 years old when Art recorded Mardi Gras Mambo in 1954. He let me sing with his band the Hawkettes while I was still a wild one. When he went into the navy I took over, but was still joy riding in hot cars so I went to jail for six months and he took back over when he came home from duty. He went on the road with me as my Road Manager and keyboard player when “Tell It Like It Is” came out. When we got off the road he started Art Neville and the Neville Sounds which was Art, Cyril, Me, with Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, Zig Joseph Modelsti and Gary Brown. We played at a club called the Nite Cap for a couple of years then later on at The Ivan Ho club in the French Quarter. The club only called for 4 guys , so Art, George, Zig and Leo took that gig. Allen Toussaint got with them and that’s when the Meters were born. Me and Cyril got with Sam Henry and started the Soul Machine. Cyril later got to be one of Meters. In 1976, Uncle Jolly called us all to New Orleans to record his music; The Wild Tchoupatoulas Mardi Gras Indians. In 1977 Charlie moved back home from New York City and that’s when the Neville Brothers band started. We traveled over land and sea bringing our music to the world. We played with people like the Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Huey Lewis and the News, Tina Turner and many others. We went on the amnesty tour sponsored by the late great Bill Graham who opened doors for the Neville Brothers, our children and so many other folks. From the park bench in the Calliope to Valence St. in the 13th ward to parts unknown we brought our Music and inspiration to the world stage. We now can say that 88 keys were blessed by Poppa Funk. I know he’s in heaven with Mommee and Poppee, Big Chief, Cookie, Brother Charlie, Mac/Dr John, Allen Toussaint, and James Booker. So many great New Orleans musicians and singers are in the heavenly band now. I know they’re accepting him with open arms so he can take his rightful place as one of the greats. Artie Poppa Funk Neville you are loved dearly by every one who knew you.
Love always, your lil’ big brother Aaron
June 12, 2019
New Summer Tour Dates Announced
Catch Aaron on the road this summer with a series of tour dates with Michael Goods his pianist, playing in New England on June 20th (Derry, NH), 21st (Fall River, MA) and 22nd (Hartford, CT).
In August, Aaron and the band will be with Boz Skaggs for a couple dates in northern California at Mountain Winery on Aug. 19th and Wente Vineyards on Aug. 21st. Get more info and tickets to all shows right here.
January 15, 2019
Jazz Fest 2019 – 50th Anniversary!
Aaron will be returning to New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival, performing on May 4th, to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of this great festival. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Jan. 18th here.
