Sweet P’s Barbeque is bringing a taste of the bayou to Big Orange Country. In celebration of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Sweet P’s Downtown Dive will host “Jazz Fest & Feast” on Saturday, May 6, from noon-5 pm.
The event will take place in the beer garden of the downtown restaurant at 410 W Jackson Ave., and guests will be treated to live musical performances by Brian Clay, as well as Frog & Toad’s Dixie Quartet. In addition to the regular menu, Sweet P’s will offer traditional creole dishes including boudin balls and po’boy sandwiches. Beer specials will feature New Orleans brews.
“Jazz Fest is one of my all-time favorite festivals,” said Chis Ford, owner of Sweet P’s Barbeque. “From the food and drink to the music and ambiance of celebration, we hope to bring New Orleans to Knoxville for the day and immerse our patrons in this unique culture.”
Clay will play from noon-1 p.m. Born in Chicago, Clay grew up in Atlanta and has been a principal player in the Atlanta jazz scene as an accomplished keyboardist, vocalist and composer. He has shared the stage with jazz legends George Duke, David Sanborn, Stanley Clarke and Gato Barbieri, as well as contemporary jazz all-stars Norman Brown, Gerald Albright, The Rippingtons, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Euge Groove.
Frog & Toad’s Dixie Quartet will perform at 1:30 p.m. Started by third-generation jazz musician Jason Thompson, the Knoxville jazz group focuses on Dixieland and early swing. In 2012, the group recorded its first album, “Debut,” which highlights Thompson’s original music.
For more information about Sweet P’s, its locations, live music and events, visit www.sweetpbbq.com. You also can follow Sweet P’s BBQ and Soul House and Sweet P’s BBQ and Downtown Dive on Facebook and @sweetpbbq on Twitter and Instagram.