It’s another exciting week in New Orleans with no shortage of live music and cultural events to enjoy! Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (1/25 – 1/31):
Conductor Matthew Kraemer returns to lead an evening of premieres with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) at the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday, January 25, 7:30 p.m. for Birth of a Culture: A Celebration of the History of Mardi Gras Indians. Big Chief Juan Pardo joins the LPO for a world premiere by Maxim Samarov which celebrates the unique history and remarkable culture of Mardi Gras Indians found in New Orleans. The orchestra will also present new work, Kiskadee by Arlene Sierra and Wynton Marsalis’ Blues Symphony. Learn more or purchase tickets here.
Don’t miss BJ’s and Vaughan’s 12th Annual Lesseps Street Block Party on Friday, January 26, starting at 7:00 p.m. The event spans the entire block between BJ’s Lounge and Vaughan’s in the Bywater. Enjoy food and an eclectic lineup of live music with performances by Little Freddie King, Silver Synthetic, Daiquiri Queens, Happy Talk Band, Charlie Halloran and the Tropicales, Dayna Kurtz, Malevitus and more. Get ready to dance the night away in an inclusive community celebration honoring Billy Ding and Michael Aaron. Entry is $25, includes food and can be purchased at either bar.
Also on Friday, January 26, at 8:00 p.m., Tipitina’s presents the Grammy award-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers alongside Crush Diamond. The Lost Bayou Ramblers, founded by brothers Andre and Louis Michot, have garnered acclaim for their uniquely progressive approach rooted in Cajun traditions. Over the years they’ve contributed to Jack White’s “American Epic”, scored the Oscar-nominated film “Beasts of the Southern Wild” and earned a Grammy for their album “Kalenda.” Blending modern sounds with ancient Cajun melodies, Lost Bayou Ramblers promise a night of revved-up Cajun music, infused with punk energy and psychedelic fuzz, marking a thrilling convergence of tradition and innovation. Learn more of purchase tickets here.
Snug Harbor’s annual Krewe Du Vieux Parade Party is back on Saturday, January 27th! For Krewe du Vieux night, Snug Harbor removes the Music Room wall and opens up the place for a three-hour party. The event features a live 10-piece Cuban & Latin salsa-jazz dance band, Muevelo!, led by Margie Perez and Brent Rose. The band takes you on a musical journey to Cuba, ensuring an unforgettable night of dancing and celebration. With limited capacity, advance tickets are recommended to secure your spot for this standing-room-only show. You can learn more or purchase your tickets here.
If you haven’t had the chance to see them yet, be sure to check out Grammy nominees New Breed Brass Band on Wednesday, January 31, at 9:30 p.m. as they bring their innovative sound to their weekly gig at the Blue Nile. Hailing from New Orleans, the members of New Breed have honed their craft under the tutelage of legends like Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and James “12” Andrews, making them torchbearers of the city’s rich musical legacy. New Breed Brass Band promises to push the boundaries of the NOLA second-line brass band tradition, taking it to new and exciting places. The show is exclusively for ages 21 and above with no cover charge.
