Issue Articles
Gina Brown (1965-2024)
Singer and entertainer Gina Brown passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Touro Hospital.
Barbara Hawkins & The Dixie Cups Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of “Chapel of Love”
New Orleans’ own The Dixie Cups are celebrating a big anniversary, not only for the 60th anniversary of timeless “Chapel of Love,” but all the other hits that followed. They are also the feature of this year’s radiant Jazz & Heritage Festival poster. Founding member Barbara Hawkins looked back on a time in which three teenagers were the premier girl group in the country, knocked the Beatles off the number one pedestal, and took Mardi Gras Indian music to the airwaves. Founding members Rosa Hawkins and Joan Johnson are no longer with us physically, but their spirit and legacy flourishes.
Teacher, Musician and Thinker: Branford Marsalis is coming home
In late January the Grammy-winning saxophonist and composer, Branford Marsalis, announced he was returning to his native New Orleans where he will serve as artistic director of The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) in the upper Ninth Ward. The center is named after the patriarch of the Marsalis family who held the artistic director position until his death in 2020 from complications of the Covid-19 virus.
Born to Win: Britti always wore her heart outwardly
There are certain vocalists who bring you to full attention the first time you hear them. A unique signature means a lot, especially so in a world where mimicry reigns. Britti can’t help being herself, though. Her new album Hello, I’m Britti on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound is a stellar introduction, a testament to the power of strong songwriting, abiding and genuine expression enduring.
A Tale of Two Allens: Luke Allen and His Son Arlo Talk Music—and Poultry
Over a fresh goose-egg omelet, prepared by Luke Allen, we dig into Happy Talk Band’s history and their new album, Low Shoulder, and trace the musical evolution of Luke’s prodigious son Arlo.
Journey to Funkstar: Water Seed – Anticipating The Future
You can always expect the new and unexpected from Water Seed and bandleader Lou Hill. They’re about to unveil Journey To Funkstar: An Immersive Concert and take you on a ride. It promises to be quite the experience and one not to be missed.
Pat Metheny talks back
The always exploring jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny is bringing his first solo tour to New Orleans. The international Dream Box tour, which reaches the Orpheum Theater on March 16, follows last year’s release of Metheny’s Grammy-nominated solo album of the same name.
Living That Vison: Singer-Songwriter Lynn Drury Endures To Open A New Chapter
Years ago, Lynn Drury pedaled her bicycle along the narrow streets of the French Quarter. Moments into her ride she stopped and realized that, 20 years ago, she had a vision of exactly what she was doing that day. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m living that vision’” she said.
Dining Out: Bywater Bakery
Bywater Bakery has been serving tasty treats and a savory breakfast since 2017. Owners Chaya Conrad and Alton Osborne are cranking out king cakes for a short but busy season.