David Vest, his rolling piano boogie, and his red-hot band might turn Hermann's into a Mardi Gras float, playing Carnival classics by Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, the Dixie Cups, Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns, Larry Williams, the Nevilles, and more. Feel free to wear purple, green, and gold, fascinators and feather masks, and Mardi Gras beads -- or just come as you are and enjoy the music!

Expect to hear second-line drumming, sexy guitar playing, wailing sax, and thunder from down under as David welcomes special guest Joey Smith on bass, along with Damian Graham on drums, Brooke Maxwell on sax, and Tom Bowler on guitar.

David Vest was born in Alabama, where the first Mardi Gras was held (in Mobile). He has performed at Mardi Gras celebrations all up and down the Gulf Coast, from Florida to Texas. He performed at the New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival in 1995 (with Miss Lavelle White) and also at Tipitina's.

Now a longterm Victoria resident, he is a five-time winner of the Maple Blues Award for piano player of the year, and his recent chart-topping "Live At Hermann's" recording has helped spread the word about Hermann's all over the world.


"Vest is a living legend who brings the catharsis that the blues demands." — Will Chernoff

“A huge blues and boogie talent.” — Holger Petersen, Saturday Night Blues on CBC

“He falls into the same class as the masters: Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, James P. Johnson, Fats Waller. Long live the Boogie Piano King!” — Cascade Blues Association

“Vest’s bio reads like the history of rock ’n roll and blues … he’s among a select group that includes Ronnie Hawkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.” — John Valenteyn