Carnival is in full swing and there is no no shortage of live music and cultural events to keep you entertained! Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (2/08 – 2/14):

Get ready for an unforgettable night of funk at Tipitina’s featuring the powerhouse Dumpstaphunk and the talented Ghalia Volt on Friday, February 9, 2024. Dumpstaphunk, boasting Neville and Meters family bloodlines, brings a deep, gritty groove that commands movement. This promises to be an electric evening, immersing the audience in the infectious grooves and soulful rhythms that define the vibrant music scene of New Orleans. Tickets are $30, and music enthusiasts aged 18 and up are invited to experience the magic.  The doors open at 10 p.m., with the show kicking off at 11 p.m. Learn more or purchase your tickets here.

Don’t miss Galactic alongside Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph and Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Tipitina’s. Galactic, a proud New Orleans quintet, brings 25 years of collective experience to the stage, weaving through a dynamic history of 10 albums and over 2,000 performances. With an extensive repertoire ranging from collaborations with Juvenile to lighting up renowned festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo, Galactic remains a driving force in the music scene. Joined by the powerhouse vocals of Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, the band promises an exhilarating live experience. Learn more or purchase your tickets here.

Also on Saturday, 14-year-old guitar prodigy Taj Farrant takes the stage at the House of Blues New Orleans at 8 p.m. Despite his young age, Taj’s natural musical prowess shines through, making him a remarkable guitarist with a genuine “feel” that transcends his years. Hailing from Australia, Taj is not just a passionate guitarist but a natural-born rocker, backed by the support of his encouraging family. Taj’s impressive skills have garnered him global endorsements and his online presence is rapidly growing. He has shared the stage with world-class artists like Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas and Orianthi. Don’t miss the chance to witness Taj Farrant in person alongside Nathan Bryce & Loaded Dice.  You can learn more or purchase your tickets here.

Portugal. The Man takes the stage at Civic Theatre on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 9 p.m. Hailing from Wasilla, Alaska, and now based in Portland, Oregon, the band has been making waves since their high school days in 2001. With an impressive discography that includes releases on Fearless Records, their own label Approaching AIRballoons and Atlantic Records, Portugal. The Man has consistently delivered innovative and captivating rock music. Don’t miss the chance to experience their dynamic sound live, as they bring their latest hits and Grammy-winning single “Feel It Still” to the stage for an unforgettable evening. Learn more or purchase tickets here.

Get ready for a night of genre-defying magic at Toulouse Theatre with Quintron + Miss Pussycat with C’est Funk and MONGO on Lundi Gras, Monday, February 12, 2024. With an extensive discography of over 20 full-length albums, Quintron and Miss Pussycat blend psychedelic soul with traditional New Orleans party music, creating a unique and vibrant musical experience. The duo’s energetic performances are complemented by Miss Pussycat’s dreamy puppet worlds, making this event a perfect fusion of music and visual art. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the barely controlled chaos, dance beats, explosions, and puppet stories that define the Quintron Miss Pussycat experience. Learn more or purchase your tickets here.

For those who love to get up early Mardi Gras morning, or for those of you who are still awake, pop over to Tip’s on Mardi Gras morning, Tuesday February 13, for a Sunrise Set featuring Big Chief Juan Pardo & The Golden Comanches, joined by the talented Billy Iuso. The event is free and open to the public with doors opening at 5 a.m. and music starting at 5:15 a.m. The event promises a magical morning filled with music and celebration, the perfect way to start your day and embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to welcome the day with these New Orleans legends. Learn more about the artists here.