Jean-Paul Villere
Among other highlights of this year’s JazzFest? Why, the premiere of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Fairgrounds, of course. That’s right: premiere. The band has played the city many times before but never in this setting, and while I’m not saying I had a hand in their headlining this coming Saturday, I’m, well, er – - - that’s exactly what I’m saying. About a year ago, I lamented in this very column the fact the band had never played the festival, among other national acts I hope will be corrected one day soon (insert robust coughs here overlaid with a hearty and throaty “Beck! Beck! Beck!”). And voila, a year later it’s happening. I don’t know about you, but I don’t believe in coincidences. And maybe just maybe it just might be a coincidence (if you believe in them), and if so, then just chalk me up as having my thumb on the pulse of what’s what and not the impetus for this gig. Continue reading »
In a rash of armed robberies after a relative lull, five muggings have been reported in the Uptown area in as many days, including two in the Carrollton area, two in Milan and one in the Irish Channel.
The Single Ladies Social Aid and Pleasure Club will hold its 15th annual second line starting at 1 p.m Sunday. They’ll start at the Foxx II Lounge in the Hoffman Triangle and then make their way down Martin Luther King Avenue into Central City, 
A member of the Walter L. Cohen football team was shot to death Friday evening in front of a vacant home at Fig and Eagle, authorities said.