It’s another exciting week in New Orleans with no shortage of live music and cultural events to keep you entertained! Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (2/29 – 3/06):

The Dew Drop Inn, a historic venue in New Orleans, is set to reopen its doors with a weekend of festivities from March 1-3. The celebration begins with a Ribbon Cutting event on Friday, March 1st, featuring speeches from city officials and owner Curtis Doucette, Jr., followed by a performance by Deacon John and a champagne toast. The evening continues with the Dew Drop Revival Night 1, honoring the venue’s pioneers with performances by Irma Thomas, Deacon John, and the Dew Drop Legacy Revue Band. On Saturday, March 2nd, the celebration continues with Dew Drop Revival Night 2, showcasing New Orleans’ contemporary music stars, including Partners-N-Crimeand the New Breed Brass Band. The weekend culminates on Sunday, March 3, with a Jazz Brunch featuring “The Baron of the Boom Boom” Herlin Riley and the Herlin Riley Quartet and an all-vinyl Dusty Grooves  Bar Night with DJ Maxmillion Sunday evening. For tickets or more information go to www.dewdropinnnola.com/events.

 TALK takes the stage at Toulouse Theatre on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Known for his vibrant personality and infectious energy, TALK’s music is a colorful blend of eccentricity and uniqueness. With hits like “Run Away to Mars” soaring to the top of charts worldwide and earning multi-platinum certifications, TALK has gained recognition globally. Praised by industry giants like Rolling Stone and American Songwriter, TALK’s journey includes performances on major platforms like the Late Late Show with James Corden and collaborations with renowned artists. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.

Get ready to groove to the soulful sounds of Erica Falls as she takes the stage at Maple Leaf Bar Friday, March 1,  at 8 p.m. Erica’s music is a captivating blend of vintage soul and contemporary flair combined with remarkable vocal talent and songwriting prowess. Having shared the stage with icons such as Allen Toussaint and Sting, Erica’s show-stopping performances have earned her accolades including Offbeat Magazine’s Best Best Of The Beat Award for Female Vocalist. Tickets are available in advance for $15  or $20 at the door. You can learn more or purchase your tickets here.

The 2024 New Orleans International Guitar Festival returns from March 5- 8, bringing together an exceptional lineup of globally renowned artists to various venues across the city. With the theme “Guitar Gumbo,” this edition of the festival celebrates the guitar’s versatility across different genres and cultures, showcasing its rich diversity and ethnic influences. Among the festival’s highlights is the prestigious Elias Barreiro Young Artist Competition, which attracts talented young guitarists from around the globe to compete for cash prizes. Named in honor of the legendary Maestro Barreiro this competition serves as a platform for emerging artists to launch successful careers in the world of music. You can view the complete lineup here.

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music with the incomparable Lilli Lewis at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music on Tuesday, March 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lewis defies genre boundaries, seamlessly blending Americana styles from folk and country to gospel and jazz. Whether gracing the stage of the Kennedy Center or a cozy New Orleans club, Lewis enchants audiences with her grace, wit, and authentic musicality. Special discounted tickets are available for senior citizens and New Orleans residents receiving SNAP benefits, providing an opportunity for all to experience the magic of Lewis’s performance. You can learn more or purchase your tickets here.

Get ready to kick off the Wednesday at The Square music series this coming week in Lafayette Square on March 6, with Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Sierra Green & the Giants from 5 to 8 p.m. As a cherished fixture of New Orleans’ cultural scene, Wednesday at The Square brings together locals and visitors alike every week from March 6 – May 8. The events support the Young Leadership Council‘s initiatives to improve the community’s quality of life and cultivate leadership among young professionals. You can view the complete lineup for the 2024 Wednesday at The Square music series here.