Fats Domino ‘ready to play’ in return gig

Sitting at a keyboard in the bedroom of his post-Katrina home in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La., a smiling Fats Domino joked, laughed and tenderly sang to a handful of close friends this week as he prepared for his appearance Sunday at the closing of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Domino is excited -- even nervous -- about his first performance since Katrina struck last August.

“I’m ready,” said the 78-year-old Hall of Fame performer of such classics as “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame,” chuckling as he joked about the possibility of passing out on stage. “God gave me the gift.... Yeah, I’m ready to play.”

Noticeably thinner since being evacuated from his flooded 9th Ward home after the hurricane, Domino said the last few months haven’t been easy. He’s still trying to get situated in his new home, still moving furniture around. But even as he rehearsed, he wouldn’t give away Sunday’s playlist.

“Whatever comes to me,” he said, “that’s what I’ll play.”