The Carver Theater has announced its initial 2017 music programming schedule—which is based around a number of new weekly music series—and a number of brand new amenities.
Beginning in January, the historic venue will host Monday night blues, Wednesday night jazz and Thursday night brass shows every week. Tickets for these weekday gigs will cost $10, with doors opening at 7pm and music starting at 8pm. In addition, free Saturday Showcases will take place at the Carver during the first five Saturdays of 2017.
The 16,000-square foot theater recently underwent an $8 million renovation, adding state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, as well as cosmetic/functional/safety improvements like multiple viewing screens, an in-house box office and remodeled artist green room.
“The Carver Theater is the perfect recipe for success,” says Chris Ritter, General Manager of the Carver, who previously ran one of Chicago’s most accomplished music and comedy venues, The Lakeshore Theater. “The rich history of the Tremé as the birthplace of jazz combined with the historical significance of the venue, the wealth of musical talent in New Orleans and our amazing sound system make for an unbeatable combination. We’re excited to debut our 2017 programming.”
Located in the heart of New Orleans’ Tremé neighborhood, the Carver Theater reopened in 2014 after suffering extensive damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Under the direction of Ritter, talent buyer Davis Rogan and consultant Adam Shipley of Hep Cat Entertainment, the Carver plans to significantly expand its programming in the near future with a variety of local, regional and national touring acts.
The new upgrades to the Carver have also allowed the creation of over 40 jobs, replacing show-to-show contract workers with in-house security, box office assistants, bartenders, bar backs, cocktail servers and parking attendants plus a management team of bar manager, building manager and box office manager.
Other big plans are in the works too, including the launch of The Carver Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that will provide educational, performance and entertainment opportunities to young people in the Tremé . The theater also plans to host a diverse array of programming in the future, from annual street festivals to long-running musical productions.
Management hopes that a reinvigorated Carver Theater will anchor a commercial area on Orleans Avenue that will become a safe and customer-friendly alternative Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street. The theater plans to raise the area’s profile by turning its additional properties into destination endeavors like restaurants, coffee shops, music clubs and art galleries.
Acts on the theater’s initial schedule include Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Honey Island Swamp Band, Dave Jordan and the NIA, Aurora Nealand & Royal Roses, Little Freddie King and many more. Tickets for the newly announced shows will go on sale Friday, December 16.
Carver Theater Initial 2017 Programming
Monday Night Blues Series
1.9.17 LA Harmonica Players Tribute to Little Walter
1.16.17 Little Freddy King
1.23.17 Ladies of the Blues
1.30.17 Papa Mali with Blues Guitar Heroes
Mid-Week Jazz Series (Wednesday)
1.11.17 Aurora Nealand & Royal Roses
1.18.17 Panorama Jazz Band
1.25.17 Snake & the Charmers
2.1.17 Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band
2.8.17 Aurora Nealand & Royal Roses
2.15.17 Snake & the Charmers
#ThirstyThursDAT Brass Series Featuring Dat Dog Food Truck, Drink Specials & More!
1.12.17 Young PinStripe Brass Band
1.26.17 TBC Brass Band
2.2.17 Young PinStripe Brass Band
2.9.17 Free Agents Brass Band
2.16.17 TBC Brass Band
Saturday Showcase #AtTheCarver (FREE cover for attending guests)
1.7.17 Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes w/Waterseed
1.14.17 The Revealers with The Brass-A-Holics
2.4.17 Darcy Malone & the Tangle with The Dana Abbott Band
Additional Carver Theater Show Dates
1.13.17 Grand Hotel Burlesque
1.27.17 Ooh Pooh Pah Doo Presents: JamFest
2.17.17 Donnie Ray
2.25.17 EDM Night, Artists TBD
3.31.17 Honey Island Swamp Band and Dave Jordan and the NIA
