Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins personifies the spirit of New Orleans, whether he's blowing on a Louis Armstrong classic or one of his own hot numbers. There's a grin on his face and a smile in his voice when the popular bandleader steps out with his combo, the Barbecue Swingers, or takes his position fronting his big band.
Last month, the always-busy performer and Basin Street-label recording artist fulfilled a longtime dream by opening his own club, Kermit Ruffins' Jazz & Blues Hall. Located on the corner of St. Philip and North Robertson streets, in the heart of the historic Treme neighborhood, the nightspot sparkles in an area where music has always been a way of life. Just five blocks from the French Quarter, the building once housed such notable clubs as the second incarnation of the Caldonia as well as Trombone Shorty's.
"I used to hang out here like crazy about 17 years ago," says Ruffins, who now lives just a few blocks away. "I would have never have thought in a million years that I would be opening up my own jazz club."
Besides being a great place to hear live music, Ruffins hopes that his club will help bring greater recognition to the neighborhood that was an incubator for so much of the city's music. "Treme is already a real festive place," says Ruffins, "there's always a flow of people and secondlines {parades}. It has a real party atmosphere."
February's grand opening offered a taste of things to come with Big Easy musicians from all styles of music joining Ruffins on the bandstand and taking in the fun. Being a native New Orleanian and a professional musician since co-founding the ReBirth Brass Band in 1982, Ruffins is tight with all the players on the scene. He intends to delve into the richness of this city's music community to fill out the club's weekly schedule. Brass bands like the Lil' Rascals and New Birth hold down Monday nights, while poetry with a beat is Tuesday's fare. Friday nights kick off early with a happy hour/piano night, and Sunday is set aside for rhythm and blues with the soulful guitarist/vocalist Walter "Wolfman" Washington a regular in the house. Except for special shows, Kermit's (as dubbed by locals) closes on Wednesdays and Thursday.
While Ruffins will naturally be popping into the club throughout the week, the trumpeter formally appears only on Saturday nights with his Barbecue Swingers. It's a quintet of trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drums that Ruffins has been leading and recording with for almost 10 years. A modern hipster in possession of an old soul, Ruffins draws audiences of all ages with his vocal and trumpet skills and charm. He's lured younger audiences into the traditional jazz fold with his sincerely delivered versions of Armstrong tunes like "Struttin' with Some Barbecue," captured folks with his clever originals like "I'll Drink To Dat" and brought many a chuckle with his killer version of Stuff Smith's "When You're a Viper." He's also tempted hungry fans with the smokin' barbecue that he'll occasionally fire up for afternoon festivities.
Perhaps surprisingly, the trumpeter continues to perform at his long-term gigs at Le Bon Temps Roule on Wednesdays, Vaughn's on Thursdays and just down the street at Joe's Cozy Corner on Sundays. No matter the stage, when Ruffins is ready to swing, he invites the audience with a friendly "All aboard!"
A taxi is recommended to get to and from Kermit's, which is certainly off the beaten track but definitely worth the short trip. The club sits on a well-lit corner, provides security and enjoys heavy foot traffic -- particularly on weekends. On entering, the atmosphere is extremely friendly and welcoming with a mixed crowd of local music lovers and musicians, foreign enthusiasts and neighborhood regulars. The sparsely decorated gold walls with white trim give the room a classy, yet relaxed character. The club holds about 200 and offers table seating and room to dance. A brand new upright piano sits on the hardwood stage that rises just inches off the floor. With bands blowin' from such a low platform the effect is a wonderful intimacy between the audience and the musicians. For Ruffins, being one with the audience is a requirement.
Kermit Ruffins Jazz & Blues Hall is a neighborhood joint in the best sense of the phrase -- it's the real thing. Like Ruffins himself, the club is down-home yet touched with a certain elegant style. It's a warm spot that offers the promise of making new friends and discovering some of New Orleans' finest artists. There's no need to worry about proper attire when heading to Kermit's. Whether donning jeans or a tuxedo, a strapless evening dress or slacks, you'll fit right in at Kermit Ruffins' Jazz & Blues Hall.
Ruffins shares certain characteristics with other notable New Orleans musicians who own their own clubs. Like clarinetist Pete Fountain and vocalist Ernie K-Doe, Ruffins loves the music, loves performing, loves the people.
"We're party animals," says Ruffins with a laugh. Then with obvious sincerity he adds, "When I wake up in the morning, I can't wait till showtime."
