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 (3/14 – 3/20):

Bobby Rush, the legendary singer, songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player, is set to take the stage at Chickie Wah Wah on Friday, March 15. With a career spanning decades and a Grammy win at the age of 83, Rush’s music journey is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days growing up in Louisiana to his chart-topping hits like “Chicken Heads,” Rush’s impact on the rhythm-and-blues scene is profound. His latest album, “All My Love for You,” showcases his unwavering dedication to music and storytelling. Online and advance tickets are available for $35, with walkup tickets priced at $45. You can purchase your tickets here.

Get ready for a funky night of music at The Rabbit Hole on Saturday, March 16, featuring the Grammy nominated, multi-instrumentalist Khris Royal & Dark Matter featuring Tonya Boyd Cannon for their “East Orange” release. The event runs from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Tickets are priced at $15 and can be purchased on The Rabbit Hole’s events page. Don’t miss out on this funky celebration of music and good vibes! Learn more or purchase tickets here.

 

On Saturday, March 16, New Orleans will pay tribute to one of its soulful legends, Jean Knight, in a heartfelt memorial event at Tipitina’s from 2 – 4 p.m. Knight, renowned for her timeless hit “Mr. Big Stuff,” will be celebrated by family, friends, and fans in an afternoon dedicated to honoring her life and legacy. Led by Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Khris Royal, the event will feature memorable musical performances commemorating Knight’s profound impact on the music world. Attendees will have the chance to pay homage to Knight while enjoying soulful tunes and reminiscing about her remarkable career. This free event promises to be a poignant and unforgettable occasion, serving as a fitting tribute to Jean Knight’s enduring legacy in the hearts of fans and the New Orleans community.

Renowned jazz guitarist and composer, Pat Metheny, will grace the stage of the Orpheum Theater on Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Born into a musical family in Kansas City, Metheny’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by innovation and versatility. From his early days working with jazz legends to his pioneering efforts in electronic music, Metheny has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre. With an impressive collection of Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the best jazz guitarists in the world, Metheny’s performance at the Orpheum Theater is not to be missed by jazz enthusiasts. You can purchase your tickets on the Orpheum website.

Also on Saturday, experience an enchanting evening of music and poetry at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents the final Chanteuse: Celebrating New Orleans Women in Music concert. Tarriona Ball, renowned as the frontwoman of Tank and The Bangas, will grace the stage with her captivating poetry. Opening the performance is the talented New Orleans vocal artist, Indys Blu, whose music seamlessly fuses classical training with contemporary influences, offering a unique and authentic sound. Tickets for this event are priced at $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. For those unable to attend in person, the concert will be livestreamed at jazzandheritage.org/live.

Tipitina’s presents The Soul Rebels along with SaxKixAve on March 16, 2024. The Soul Rebels have carved their own niche by blending New Orleans brass tradition with funk, soul, hip hop, jazz, and rock influences. Known for their dynamic live performances, The Soul Rebels promise a celebratory deep funk party atmosphere. SaxKixAve will be opening the evening and if you haven’t had the chance to witness this dynamic duo live yet, now is your chance. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience their genre-defying music and top-notch musicianship firsthand. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $25.00. Learn more or purchase tickets here.

Join Snug Harbor on Sunday, March 17, as they present Phillip Manuel’s Birthday Tribute to Nat King Cole, featuring two captivating shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Influenced by the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, Phillip Manuel, a seasoned jazz vocalist with a rich baritone, promises an  evening filled with soulful renditions of Nat King Cole’s timeless classics. With a career spanning over three decades and performances across the globe, Manuel’s voice, described as dramatic and warm, captivates audiences effortlessly. Tickets are priced at $30 and are available here.

Super Sunday is a vibrant celebration that occurs each year on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day in various neighborhoods across New Orleans. This unique event pays homage to African-American and Native American cultures through a mesmerizing display of music, dance, and art. The day kicks off with a festival at A.L. Davis Park, featuring live performances, food vendors, and crafts. At 2 p.m., the Black Masking Indian tribes, adorned in intricately designed suits symbolizing their heritage, assemble for a colorful procession through Central City, captivating onlookers with their traditional chants, dances, and vibrant costumes.

New Orleans gears up for its annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations starting on Thursday, March 14, with an Irish Channel block party at Annunciation Square featuring Irish music, food, drinks and dancers. On Saturday, March 16, the festivities continue with Parasol’s Block Party Celebration on 3rd and Constance, Tracy’s Block Party on Magazine Street, and the iconic Irish Channel Parade starting at 1 p.m. followed by the Italian-American St. Joseph’s Parade in the French Quarter at 6 p.m. The weekend culminates on Sunday, March 17, with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Metairie Road at noon and the Downtown Irish Club Parade at 7 p.m., followed by the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade on March 24 in Metairie.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Irish music with a captivating concert by Irish balladeer and Celtic folk musician, Danny O’Flaherty as Deutscheshaus celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m. O’Flaherty promises to transport you to the rich and soulful traditions of Ireland through his heartfelt performance. Tickets start at $20 and are available here.

 

Don’t miss the chance to experience the legendary Little Freddie King, on Wednesday, March 20th. This country-style blues giant is a living link to the raw Delta blues tradition, a rare gem in a city known for its funk, R&B, and jazz scenes. At 83 years old, King’s journey from McComb, Mississippi, to New Orleans is steeped in musical history. His captivating performances and authentic blues style have earned him recognition and  numerous accolades. He continues to release new music like “Blues Medicine” in 2022, regarded as his best work yet. Learn more or purchase tickets here.

 

 

Weekly Picks (3/14 – 3/20)