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Once again, New Orleans is freaking KILLING IT in the live music arena. I’ll admit, this week is awesome but it just scratches the surface of all the amazing live music performances around the city. So I don’t want to hear any of you in the Twittersphere saying you have nothing to do or see. YOU LIE.
Monday, September 29
My Spilt Milk presents Foxygen
One Eyed Jack’s @ 9Pm
Psychedelic rock never seems to go out of style and Foxygen is showing that off on Monday with their show at One Eyed Jack’s. It’s soft and melodious yet makes you want to dance. It’s confusing but that’s the genre I supposed. Check out their recent release “How Can You Really” below.
Get your tickets for Foxygen featuring Dub Thompson and check out more upcoming events from My Spilt Milk.
Swing Swing Swing
St. Roch Tavern
The return of fall means the traveling musicians are back in town. Join in for a spirited 1930s swing and manouche jazz show and open jam that will now happen every Monday night at St. Roch. The show runs from 8:30-10pm; trade song-leading from 10-11:30pm.
Willing to wager you’ll see some of these faces there:
Tuesday, September 30th
Lee Fields and the Expressions @
One Eyed Jacks
Mr. Fields has been making the rounds in the music world for a few years and it is probably because he’s amazing. His voice is filled with that soulful gospel beauty, combined with horns and piano giving it some backbone. We all love the techno-bass-pumping-radio-hip-hop-pissed-off-youth favorites but this is music that you dance at your wedding, sing with your parents and listen to when you need to remember how good music used to be. Listen to “Wish You Were Here” and you’ll understand.
Citizen Cope
@ House of Blues
If you haven’t heard of Citizen Cope yet, then you’re living under a sad, little rock. A singer from Tennessee who hit stardom originally in D.C. His music is beautiful and kind, covered by some of the biggest names like John Mayer, Eric Clapton, and Santana. There’s not gonna be any twerking or bouncing but there is going to be some damn good music. Do not miss. Don’t believe me? Check out “Bullet and a Target” below.
Meschiya Lake & the Little Bighorns + The Smoking Time Jazz Club
Spotted Cat
6pm & 10pm
I’m a little biased on this one but damn what a fine lineup. These are my two favorite jazz bands in the city and they play back-to-back at one of my favorite Frenchmen Street venues tonight! Both groups feature uber-talented female vocalists, talented soloists, and enthusiastic backing musicians making for a classic New Orleans night out. Rumor: the Cat removed the piano from the women’s room. True or false?
Wednesday, October 1st
The Goodnight Show with John Calhoun
@ The New Orleans Healing Center
In the same spirit of the old variety shows like Dick van Dyke or Dick Cavett, John Calhoun is the personality and momentum behind “The Goodnight Show.” Held in the New Orleans Healing Center’s auditorium, “The Goodnight Show” features live music, comedy, live auctions, interviews and just a plain good time. Drinks available in the venue and dinner should be had at Cafe Fautoush, also in the Healing Center. All proceeds go to the Healing Center. Get there a bit early though, otherwise it is standing room only.
The Head & the Heart w/the Belle Brigade
Civic Theatre
Seattle locals signed to the legendary Sub Pop label come to the CBD tonight to rock out in their folky northwestern style. If you like Vampire Weekend, the Walkmen, Dr. Dog, or Death Cab for Cutie, you’re probably already listening to these guys too. This is a band on the rise; catch them before they start playing larger venues.
Thursday, October 2nd
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony @ House of Blues
If you don’t know who Bone Thugs and Harmony are then get off this blog. I shouldn’t have to explain this.
Little Freddie King
Le Bon Temps Roule
11pm
If you haven’t been to the church of Little Freddie King, check the error of your ways and repent this evening. King has been playing around New Orleans for decades, is the cousin of Lightnin’ Hopkins, and has shared the stage with folks like Champion Jack Dupree and Slim Harpo. He is a Jazz Fest mainstay, having played every year since 1972, and a three-time New Orleans Blues Performer of the Year. There are not many living musicians who can say they’re recognized with their own marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail Marker, but King is one of the few.
Friday, October 3rd
Preservation Hall Ball featuring Allen Toussaint, Ani DiFranco and Beats Antique
If you have lived in New Orleans for any extended period of time then you know that Preservation Hall is a big freaking deal. Well every year they host their Ball that helps their Community Outreach Foundation. It’ll be great night full of dancing, music and some of the best performances you’ll get. RSVP on Facebook or purchase tickets.
JEFF the Brotherhood w/Music Band, Hunters & Babes
One Eyed Jack’s
It’s a rare Nashville rock band worth its salt that hasn’t been touched by Jack White’s Third Man Records in some way these days, and JEFF the Brotherhood is no exception. The lo-fi duo has a live album out on TMR, and is currently signed with Infinity Cat and Warner Brothers. They also have split singles out with Best Coast, Ty Segall, and The Greenhornes. Now, I’ll shut up and you can just check out their video for “Sixpack,” which opens with them setting off fireworks inside a washing machine and pays homage to the beauty of a summer full of swimming and getting wasted.
Saturday, October 4th
Phantogram @ House of Blues
Phantogram is a duo that has blown up in the last year or so. They are famous for their trippy sounds, dancing grooves, the falsetto voice of Sarah Barthel along with super creative lyrics. I guarantee this show is going to be dope. Be there or be sad!
Gretna Heritage Fest
Single Day Pass: $20
Take the Gretna-Canal Street ferry and mingle with that foreign “other side” of the river for day 2 of the Gretna Heritage Fest. Saturday acts include perennial southern homeboys Lynyrd Skynyrd, plus Vox & the Hound, Honey Island Swamp Band, and Lena Prima (daughter of Louis Prima). Sunday’s highlight is Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Put another dime in the jukebox.
Sunday, October 5th
Beck @ House of Blues
Beck has been a household name since the early 90s. He still tours and makes about an album a year. But this is no dried-up, yesteryear act. Beck is the real thing and I’ve heard that his live show is nothing less than spectacular. The show is currently sold out but maybe if you’re lucky someone will sell a spare ticket.
St. Lucia & Joywave
Republic
St. Lucia hails from South Africa, and grew up with classical training in a boys choir that toured the world. Somewhere along the way, he switched tracks and comes to New Orleans via his current home in Brooklyn to share highly danceable, powerful electronic pop. His debut album is due out on Neon Gold next year—the same label that launched Passion Pit and Ellie Goulding. Dream away to another continent in the shimmering synths.
Wow, this week has so much going on. I know where I am going to be this week. Are you going to be lame or are you going to get out there and enjoy all the amazing music going around right outside your door? Take our advice and you won’t have a bad time with these New Orleans shows. Guaranteed.
