A Little Bit of Louisiana Graces Hoyt Farm

Hoyt Park's free summer concert series continued Sunday night with a concert presented by Brother Joscephus and the Revival Revolution Orchestra.

The 12-piece Southern  jazz and soul ensemble put on a show with true respect to the good-time music of New Orleans and classic soul stylings.  Led by Brother Joscephus, Dave Mendleson, who is originally of Dix Hills, and the Right Reverend Dean Dawg, a kooky crowned keyboardist, the band covered mainly classics like "Born on the Bayou," but improvised with their own personal style.

Joscephus' authentic Louisiana rasp filled the air as families crowded around and danced to the lively music.  Kids and adults found themselves moving to the bayou beats of BroJo on stage as band members occasionally pranced through the audience.

"They're fantastic," said Diane Weil.  "It's a great venue for families and people who like energetic music.  I just hope they keep it up in the future."

Last night's show was particularly rambunctious however, as the band played for what Brother Joscephus called a "hometown crowd."

Though the band's frontman grew up locally, the ensemble consists of musicians from across the country and even across the world, stretching from Louisiana to Seoul . 

"They're from all over," said Craig Taylor, the band's manager. "Brother Jecephus and the Right Reverend Dean Dawg actually met on a cruise ship.  Dean was the musical director on the ship and they met and saw eye-to-eye musically.  From there we've put together talent from all over country."

Gail Bradshaw of St. James has actually known Mendleson since he was young.  "We've always been curious about these concerts," said Bradshaw. "This gave us a good reason to check it out.  It's a nice affordable night."

"We got a great response at Great South Bay," said Taylor. "It's the type of universal thing people love, you know? Kids can get into it and everybody has a good time."