Issue Articles
Ricky Sebastian: Best Of The Beat Lifetime Achievement In Music Education
Ricky Sebastian, this year’s Lifetime Achievement in Music Education Award honoree is a drummer extraordinaire who has played with the best, in New Orleans and around the world, and is an educator as high quality as it gets. We sat down to talk about how a kid from Opelousas became one of the most versatile drummers anywhere and where sheer talent, consistent dedication, and ongoing curiosity can lead you.
David Russell Batiste, Sr.: Best Of The Beat Lifetime Achievement In Music
David Russell Batiste Sr., this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Music honoree, has a strong legacy of family, music, and education. As his son Jamal put it, “My father has a continuing fire to share his music and touch people.
Not Bourbon or Frenchmen: Couches is both a physical and mind space
Couches too is chill and idiosyncratic. If it’s not for you, that’s cool. Both a physical space and a way of mind. Michael Wilson is the visionary behind Couches.
On Her Way: Sierra Green’s powerful spirit is preparing her for the future
Sierra Green is quietly taking necessary steps to come out strong in 2024. She’s actively in the studio with a new sound, her management team is handling business, and she’s keeping her head down to do the work. This is a singer whose name you’re about to hear much more of. She gave me the scoop at PJ’s Coffee near the lakefront shortly before she and her band The Giants performed at the New Orleans Pelicans game.
From Adonis Rose & NOJO: Taking New Orleans to the World
Adonis Rose seems to operate on a different clock than the rest of us, one with extra hours. As both the managing and artistic director of the award-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), he’s making things happen with a strong drive of service to the New Orleans community and the world-at-large. We had a good talk about what’s been going on the past few years and what the future holds.
Messenger of God: Jemima Joél and the Divine Feminine
Jemima Joél, known as ‘The woman who sings and paints,’ has been making a name for herself.
Ask Me Tenderly: Nayo Jones Finds Her Destiny
Nayo is an African/Yoruba name meaning “we have joy.” Nayo Jones brings her joy of song from within and shares it to bless those who hear her perform, in particular as The Nayo Jones Experience Saturday night shows at The Jazz Playhouse, the stylish club inside The Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
The Two-Man Lady Gaga: 10 Questions with Fresh X Reckless
Dynamic duo Fresh X Reckless are a social media sensation. Their breakout song “Blicky” was number one on TikTok with millions of views, the dance challenge is spreading, and the sky’s the limit.
Sonic Boom For The Soul: For People Museum the future is now
People Museum is the unique innovative sound of Brian Eno producing dream pop in New Orleans, while a second line struts by, and Twin Peaks plays on the TV. This most unique of bands is doing something not heard before here or elsewhere while remaining purely organic and true to four distinct Louisiana backgrounds. You will never forget People Museum once you witness them live.
What Are The Keys Telling You? Musician and educator, Tyler Kinchen’s genuine experience
Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces are on the rise and bringing their high-energy live show to Abita Fall Fest. I sat down with Tyler to discuss the strength of family, roots of place, and the power of performance.
