It’s the start of a new year and as usual, there is no shortage of live music and cultural events in New Orleans! Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (1/04 – 1/10):

Classical enthusiasts will want to catch the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performance on Thursday, January 4, featuring Bach’s renowned Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 at the historic New Marigny Theatre. The evening’s program promises a delightful fusion of classical masterpieces, including works by Theofanidis, Fuller, St. George, Tansman and Telemann. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the performance begins at 6 p.m. Learn more at LPOMusic.com.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and composer, Gladney, on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward and boasting a 6th-generation New Orleans heritage, Gladney is a remarkable talent with a career spanning 18 years. Having graced stages internationally, including a performance at the White House during the Obama administration, Gladney’s infectious spirit and wealth of experience make him a must-see performer. Proceeds from the concert series directly support the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased here.

Traditional jazz enthusiasts are in for a treat this Thursday and Friday night when they’ll have two chances to catch Fritzel’s All-Star Band with trumpeter Kevin Ray Clark, Swedish jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling and noted jazz trombonist Harry Watters.  The event is at Fritzel’s Jazz Club in the heart of the French Quarter. Learn more here.

Prepare to funkify your 12th Night at The Rabbit Hole with the iconic sounds of George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners. The legendary bassist, George Porter Jr., and his dynamic band are set to take the stage on Saturday, January 6, 2024, promising an unforgettable night of groovy tunes and energetic performances. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show kicks off at 9 p.m. Learn more here.

You can also celebrate 12th Night with the 17th Annual Carnival Kick Off Party at The Maple Leaf Bar on Saturday, January 6, 2024 with 101 Runners featuring Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Chris Jones with June Yamagishi, Raymond Weber, Chris Severin, Ajay Mallery, Medicine Man, Tom Worrell and Boubacaar Cissokko. Doors open at 9 p.m. Learn more at MapleLeaf.com.

 

The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) is kicking off Carnival season with a Mardi Gras masquerade and birthday celebration honoring Artistic Director, Adonis Rose at The New Orleans Jazz Market. The event is a fundraiser to help cover travel expenses for the Youth New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. The evening promises a stellar lineup of New Orleans’ finest, including John Boutté, Nicholas Payton, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Delfeayo Marsalis and more. Guests are encouraged to wear masks and to dress in masquerade cocktail chic. Learn more about it here.

Snug Harbor presents Säje Voices, Sunday January 7th, 2024 at 9:30 p.m. Säje features renowned vocalists Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick and Erin Bentlage. The group joined forces in 2020 to create a fusion of original compositions, beloved jazz standards and contemporary reinterpretations. Following their debut at the 2020 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, Säje embarked on a tour, garnering numerous accolades and a Grammy nomination for their composition “Desert Song” during quarantine. Their debut album, released in August 2023, soared to critical acclaim, securing a #2 spot on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and peaking at #4 on the iTunes Jazz Chart. You can learn more about this event or purchase your tickets here.