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You installment of Music Mondays is here, New Orleans! The first week of December is always a memorable one for some reason. Lots of great stuff going down in the bars, on campus, at the arena, and across the lake this week—I got something for everyone in the listings. Hope to see you out there!
Monday, December 1
Washboard Rodeo
Three Muses // 7pm
Washboard Rodeo is on tap for their usual Monday night gig at Three Muses tonight. Western swing with a washboard is a little bit of a switch-up from the Frenchmen Street usual. One of New Orleans’ most recognizable characters, Washboard Chaz, heads up this group. Check out our August profile on him for a deeper look.
Tuesday, December 2
Kat Dahlia
House of Blues // 8 PM
Check out the Cuban cross between “Santigold, Gwen Stefani and Nelly Furtado” at the House of Blues this Tuesday. Only 23, Kat Dahlia is quickly making her rounds with her first few singles like “Crazy” and “Gangsta.” She combines a healthy dose of pop with groovy melodies and hip-hop vocals. According to all sources, she’ll be making it big shortly, so best to see her now before its all sold out shows and stadium concerts.
Tunes for Toys benefit: Soul Rebels Brass Band and Trombone Shorty
Tulane University’s McAlister Auditorium // 8pm
‘Tis the season for giving and festivities! Tonight is the perfect marriage of the two with the party coming from some of New Orleans’ best, hosted by the Trombone Shorty Foundation and Tulane University. The show is free, but please bring a new toy. That toy will travel just a few miles to find its way to a child in the Treme this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 3
Stumps da Clown’s Birthday Bash w/Ban Sanity Sideshow, Duncan Ross, and more
Siberia // 10pm
Stumps is the consummate New Orleans professional clown: reliably unreliable with a bag of tricks that’s either far too deep or far too shallow, depending on his level of inebriation at the time. He’s also one of the most strangely sincere performers you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. Stumps passes judgment on no man, woman, clown, or beast. His annual birthday shows are always a great time with performances that showcase clowning, pain, remarkably talented musicianship and, always, the talented pouring skills of the Siberia bartenders. Come for something different, leave with new friends.
Common (ft. Jay Electronica and Fly Union
The Howlin Wolf // 10 PM // $30
One of our favorite Grammy-award winning rappers/actors/all around good guy is coming to New Orleans. Common became famous in the early 90s with his beautiful and inspiring lyrical approach to the burgeoning hip-hop game. His new album “Nobody’s Smiling” features names like Big Sean, Vince Staples and Jhene Aiko, and plus, its Common. It goes without saying that its going to be a good show. Check out “Kingdom” and get your tickets soon.
Thursday, December 4
Los Otros CD Release
Chickie Wah Wah // 9pm
Sam Price may be best known for his work with the Honey Island Swamp Band, but he also plays with a Latin band that’s celebrating the release of their newest CD tonight. Price is a native to Slidell who rode the WWOZ airwaves that drifted over Lake Pontchartrain back to New Orleans and became ensconced in the music scene. Afro-Cuban jazz New Orleans fusion is, unsurprisingly, super danceable.
David Shaw and Friends
Tipitina’s // 9 PM
David Shaw, the lead vocalist for The Revivalists will be performing solo on December 4th. Although not a native New Orleanian, The Revivalists formed during their studies at Loyola and have been making quite a splash nationally through different festivals and events. Their music combines a blues, jazz, and Americana and David Shaw’s raspy voice is the calling card. Check this guy and be as impressed as I was the first time I him at Voodoo years ago. He leaves an impression.
Friday, December 5
HIV Awareness Music Project w/Morning 40 Federation
One Eyed Jack’s
10pm
Some say that the Morning 40s are but a pale glimmer of their former selves… it’s hard for me to say as I never saw them in that supposed ‘hey day,’ but they still blow most bands out of the water. What’s the HTML to make the entire background of this post rose-tinted to make the elders happy? Nevermind, I’m already getting forced nostalgia for the days of real morning 40s.. it’s not just a name with them. Scattered to the many corners of the country, the Morning 40s don’t play very often anymore so catch them while you can and it’s all for a damn good cause, too—HIV Awareness. Pick up your free bar condoms on the way out!
Hannibal Buress
The Civic Theatre // 8 PM
Hannibal Buress is quickly rising in the comedy game because he is what we like to call “legit.” A former writer for Saturday Night Live and featured on half a dozen comedy shows, he has been earning his chops and making big waves with his Netflix special “Animal Furnace.” Not only have you seen him on the various late-night talk shows performing his set, Buress is being considered the catalyst for the re-opening of allegations against Bill Cosby for sexual misconduct. Comedy aint always funny, but no one ever said it doesn’t have an effect. Check out his segment about his visit to New Orleans to see what you are in for.
Saturday, December 6
Krewe of Jingle Parade
Lee Circle to Canal // 1pm
It’s New Orleans’ “official” holiday parade! Marching bands, floats, costumes, dancing, fun, throws, and all the other usuals make this a good, good, good time. The weather is supposed to be great, too! Get out your white-fur-trim, glitter, tinsel, and do it up right. Official is as official does. Any word on Santa’s whereabouts?
Longtime Goners
Louisiana Music Factory // 3pm
I’m just going to keep leaving this here because every week brings another something great. The Louisiana Music Factory’s free solid Saturday music lineup series continues with Pat Reedy, Ronnie Aitkens and the Longtime Goners this afternoon. These Lower 9th ward boys are keeping the New Orleans Americana flame moving in the same vein as buds Hurray for the Riff Raff and the Deslondes. Don’t miss as they’re likely to be the next ones snapped up by the Old Crow Medicine Show or Fat Possum Records or some other exciting roots circuit opportunity. Talented songwriters Aitkens and Reedy’s names are the ones on the marquee, but slide and pedal steel guitarist John James is the hidden gem of the Longtime Goners. I really love this band.
Usher
Smoothie King Center // 7:30pm
Country’s not your style? I don’t know why but all right, different strokes. Tonight also brings a chance to relive all your 12-year old fantasies with the smooth R&B sounds of late 90s/early 2000s heartthrob Usher tonight at the Smoothie King Center. In recent years, Usher’s been linked to Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber as well as with more credible pop stars like Justin Timberlake. I prefer to throw it back, though. Vintage Usher ftw. Babyface, Brandy, or Monica might pop out next! I never noticed the proliferation of the types of chairs in this video in 1990s pop videos before. Pretty sure Britney and NSYNC danced on the exact same ones. You make me wanna…
Sunday, December 7
Yuletide Celebration
Slidell Municipal Auditorium // 2:30pm
Fa la la la la… the Louisiana Philharmonic plays a laid-back concert this afternoon in Slidell featuring holiday compositions from Bach, Gruber, Humperdinck, and others. Student ticket pricing is available.
Want to get your show featured in an upcoming edition of Red Beans and Life’s Monday Music picks? Send us an email at [email protected] with subject line “Music pick” and I’ll check you out!
