Ain’t no party like a Rebirth party! Celebrating a 30 year career, Rebirth brought the noise to Yoshi’s in Oakland for four shows last week. We attended Thursday’s late show. Seats were pretty full at the start of the evening, but after a song or two the dance floor was the place to be. A cover of the Rolling Stones’ “It’s all Over Now” got the crowd singing, and periodically the band would encourage clapping or shouting “Re-birth!” The band is also celebrating the Grammy they earned last year for their 2011 recording Rebirth of New Orleans. They proudly point out that this is the first Grammy EVER for a brass band.

I’ve seen these guys many times over the past 15 years and they still kick ass. With two trumpets, two trombones, two drummers, sax and tuba, there is a power to the music that gets directly into your soul. It’s hard to keep from dancing. If yer ever in New Orleans, check them out at the Maple Leaf on any Tuesday night. But do prepare yourself: the Nawlins shows start later, go MUCH longer, and get pretty hot and heavy.

We’ve been hella-blessed with all the fine music coming here from the big easy. Trombone Shorty was in town this week and Kermit Ruffins returns with his BBQ Swingers to Mill Valley (8/21), Brick and Mortar (8/22-23) and The New Parish 8/25. All aboard!

Yoshi’s has long been THE place for jazz, but programming has expanded over the last few years. Upcoming exotic Oakland shows include: Marshall Tucker (8/27), The Zombies (9/4), Big Sam’s Funky Nation (9/19), and Robert Cray (9/25). On August 25th (noon-5) don’t miss Yoshi’s Jazz Fest on the waterfront. It’s free! The club also hosts some sweet happy hours with free live music (Thursdays at 930pm in Oakland, Wed-Sat at 6:30pm in SF). Don’t take Yoshi’s for granted! Where else can you watch great music while sipping sake and eating hamachi?