Loyola University New Orleans’ School of Music and Theatre Professions (SMTP) is teaming up with Freret Street’s beloved live music venue Gasa Gasa to launch Gasa U, an innovative, hands-on learning collaboration that turns the venue into a working classroom each week.

Through Gasa U, students gain real-world experience in every aspect of the live music business—production, logistics, artist support, and event execution—by learning directly in the environment where local music thrives.

To celebrate the launch, Loyola will host a kickoff party on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5–7 p.m. at Gasa Gasa (4920 Freret St.), featuring live music and networking with industry professionals. During the event, representatives from Loyola’s School of Music and Theatre Professions will also present the 2025 Young Alumnae Awards.

Speakers and guests include Kate Duncan, SMTP Director; Tim Kappel, SMTP Associate Director; Mike Twillmann, Instructor for Gasa U; Reid Martin, Artist Manager and Co-Founder of Mid-Citizen Entertainment; and singer-songwriter Brittany Guerin, known professionally as Britti.

Opened in 2013, Gasa Gasa became one of New Orleans’ pre-eminent places to catch performances from independent artists, both touring and local.

For a full list of Gasa Gasa events, click here.

Gasa U information is available here.