Get ready for an exciting week of live music and cultural events in New Orleans. With a range of events catering to different interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks:

Roderick Harper is set for a night of jazz at the 2702 Record Release Show on Thursday, August 3, at 8 and 10 p.m. Born in Washington DC and later making New Orleans his home after college, Roderick has made waves in the music scene, earning a 2020 OffBeat Magazine Best of the Beat nomination for “Best Male Vocalist.” Having graced the stage at Jazz Fest earlier this year, Roderick is now ready to perform his latest project, 2702. In the upcoming Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro performance, Roderick will be joined by a talented ensemble, including Oscar Rossignoli on piano, David Pulphus on bass, Gerald Watkins on drums, and Roderick Paulin on saxophone and clarinet. See Snug Harbor’s official website to purchase tickets for one or both sets. 

Singer-Songwriter Cole Williams will perform live at Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant, who made headlines last month for nearly being forced to close last month due to financial reasons,  on Friday, August 4, at 8 p.m. Recently recognized as a 2023 Unsigned Only Music Competition Semi-Finalist for her song “A Better Woman,” Cole Williams has actively participated in the New Orleans music scene since moving from Brooklyn in 2015. She has collaborated with well-known artists such as Joey Bada$$, Chiddy Bang, and Aloe Blacc, showcasing her vocal and percussion skills. Besides her musical pursuits, she has graced the stages of notable music festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. She also received a Best of the Beat nomination for “Best Female Vocalist” from OffBeat Magazine in 2017. Additionally, Cole shares her knowledge and experiences, contributing to the music community by participating in educational webinars, like the “International Touring” webinar presented by the ELLA Project alongside Ron Rona, Artistic Director of Preservation Hall. Click here to purchase tickets for Cole’s upcoming show at Buffa’s.

Local fans of old school hip-hop are gearing up for the live performance by renowned rapper and social activist Killer Mike at Joy Theater on Saturday, August 5, at 8 p.m. Killer Mike, who you may remember from his performance at Buku Festival in 2017, gained fame as a member of the esteemed rap duo Run the Jewels and made his debut on Atlanta legend Outkast’s 2000 LP Stankonia. In 2012, he collaborated with rapper and producer El-P for the critically acclaimed album R.A.P. Music before forming the duo Run the Jewels in 2013. Killer Mike is known for his socially conscious music, addressing social inequality, police brutality  and systemic racism. Beyond his music, he is a vocal advocate for social and political causes, having delivered college lectures, written about social justice topics, and supported Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020. Additionally, he has appeared in various films and hosted the documentary series Trigger Warning with Killer Mike on Netflix. For those interested in attending, tickets are available for purchase on TicketMaster.

New Orleans Arts District Association is once again inviting art enthusiasts to join the 29th annual Fidelity Bank White Linen Night event on Saturday, August 5, from 5-10 p.m. For nearly 30 years, the vibrant art scene of New Orleans has come alive on Julia Street, from the 300 to 600 blocks, as guests wear their best white linen attire for an immersive experience. The event features an array of art galleries, live music performances, food and drinks, and art installations. White Linen Night aims to support local artists and promote cultural exchange, showcasing the city’s arts community. Arts District New Orleans, a nonprofit organization fostering artistic growth, works to make this evening a highlight on the city’s cultural calendar. For more information on the event, click here.

The Treme Brass Band is set for a live performance at d.b.a on Sunday, August 6, at 9 p.m. Led by the talented snare drummer “Uncle” Benny Jones Sr., who was featured on the cover of OffBeat Magazine in August 2016, the Treme Brass Band is a marching brass band hailing from New Orleans. Known for their traditional New Orleans-style brass music, the band has worked for years to build a devout local following. As a tribute to New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood, the band takes its name from this historic area. Their music has been featured in various films and television series, including the HBO show Treme. Recognized for their exceptional contributions to traditional arts, the Treme Brass Band was honored with a 2006 National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts, one of the highest accolades in the folk and traditional arts in the United States. To see the Treme Brass Band live on Frenchman Street this weekend, click here.

If you are interested in featuring your band or club as an OffBeat Pick, get in touch with us, but your show must be listed in the OffBeat Music Calendar to participate.