Get ready for an exciting week of live music and cultural events in New Orleans. As usual, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks:

The Caesar Brothers, known for their vibrant musical talents, will perform at the Blue Nile on Frenchmen on Friday, September 1 at 8 p.m. Hailing from New Orleans’ famed Uptown funk neighborhood, the band’s drummer, Rickey Caesar, and keyboardist Norman Caesar, share deep roots in the city’s music scene. Their familial ties to the Nevilles through marriage, specifically with Gaynielle Neville, Cyril’s wife and their aunt, further underscore their musical heritage. Having previously graced the stages of events like the NOLA River Fest, the Caesar Brothers’ musical prowess was recognized by OffBeat Magazine in their April 2016 issue. With a unique upbringing in the 13th Ward on Valence and Chestnut Streets, the Caesar Brothers bring a distinct flair to their performance that embodies the spirit of New Orleans. To learn more about this event, check out Blue Nile’s official website.

Horror-core rap duo $uicideboy$ perform Friday, September 1, at 8 p.m. at the Smoothie King Center. The duo, who previously appeared at the BUKU Fest, announced the Grey Day Tour earlier this year. Comprising cousins Scott Arcenaux, Jr. (known as $crim) and Aristos Petrou (known as Ruby da Cherry), $uicideBoy$ blend hip-hop and punk influences, drawing from their New Orleans origins. Their music touches on themes like darkness, addiction and struggle, presenting a distinctive sonic vision. With billions of streams and various RIAA certifications, $uicideBoy$ have firmly established themselves in the industry. They also founded G59 Records that fosters independent talent. Their recent album DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE was well-received by fans and critics alike. $uicideBoy$ also notably secured a headline spot at Coachella earlier this year. To purchase tickets for this event, click here.

7TEN, Rocky Leonard and Ghazi Gamali perform live at “Couches” on Saturday, September 2, at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at Evangeline Hall, located in the Hotel Saint Vincent at 1507 Magazine St. “Couches” is a monthly series held in the intimate setting of Evangeline Hall. New Orleans-formed duo 7TEN, consisting of vocalist/rapper Aniya Teno and producer 7 (Deven Raval), gained recognition with their debut EP BLOOM, released in May of this year, with the single “Impulsive” amassing over 30,000 streams. Vocalist and songwriter Rocky Leonard, originally from Houston and now based in New Orleans, recently released the single “Big Wave,” co-written and produced by Dominic Scott and Zahria Sims. Rocky Leonard also shared the stage with Big Sam & The Funky Nation at this year’s Jazz Fest and is working on her debut full-length album set for a 2024 release. Ghazi Gamali, a music producer, TV and film composer, and member of the New Orleans Artist Collective glbl wrmng, adds to the lineup. The event offers presale tickets for $20 and day-of-show tickets for $30. Click this link to learn more about “Couches” or to purchase tickets.

 

Alexey Marti & Afrogumbo perform on Saturday, September 2, with shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro. Originally from Havana, Cuba, percussionist Alexey Marti has called New Orleans home since 2008 and has become a fixture on the local music scene. Marti’s skills were highlighted when he secured first place in the 2012 Thelonious Monk Jazz Institute Competition for his mastery of Afro-Latin Hand Drumming. With a musical journey spanning two albums—Travesia and Mundo—Marti seamlessly blends timba, jazz, funk, Afro-Cuban folklore, salsa, son, rumba and unique New Orleans rhythms into his original compositions. As a member of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) and leader of his musical groups, Marti’s performances infuse modern New Orleans percussion with the essence of Cuban conga and rumba music. The ensemble for the upcoming show includes Marti as bandleader, congas, percussion and vocals. Band personnel includes Julian Addison on drums, Pat Casey on bass, Oscar Rossignoli on piano, Miles Lyons on trombone and Brent Rose on saxophone. Alexey Marti’s musical accomplishments have earned him a feature in OffBeat Magazine‘s September 2023 issue, following his performance at the Best of the Beat Awards in 2019. To purchase tickets to this event, visit Snug Harbor’s official website.

The Southern Decadence Soirée is scheduled for Sunday, September 3, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This event will be held at Hot Tin, the rooftop bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel (2031 St. Charles Avenue). Hot Tin marks the end of summer and celebrates Southern Decadence, the Labor Day LGBTQ+ celebration that was started in 1972 by a diverse group of friends with different racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and sexualities. Decadence started small, but quickly grew into a full-scale festival that is a testament to New Orleans’ unique ability to celebrate and welcome differences. Recent attendance has broken all records, with over 275,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants and an estimated economic impact of over $285 million. This year’s Decadence theme is “Showtune Sundays.” Hot Tin’s rooftop event will feature live musical theater performances and a guest appearance by the a capella group Big Easy Boys. Attendees can also enjoy special cocktails and free hot dogs, and swag bags with exclusive items. The public is invited to join the free Decadence celebration. For more information on this Weekly Pick, contact (504) 323-1500.

The Joe Gelini Band performs live on Tuesday, September 5, at 5:30 p.m. at Bamboula’s on Frenchmen Street. Known for his versatile drumming style, Gelini draws from influences such as funk, gospel, Mardi Gras Indian, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, second-line, rock, jazz and R&B. Apart from his drumming, Gelini is a songwriter, bandleader and educator. He was a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian funk band Cha Wa and serves as the Music Director at Nola Detox, overseeing a music program for individuals in recovery. Gelini’s collaborations extend to notable New Orleans musicians, including The Wild Magnolias, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Nation Beat’s Carnival Caravan, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Anders Osborne and Art Neville, Cyril Neville and many others. His connection to New Orleans was established after his first visit in 1996. To learn more about this show, visit Bamboula’s website.