Issue Articles — Cover Story
Girls Night Out: Valerie Sassyfras Has Nothing To Lose
For three consecutive days in April 2018, Ellen DeGeneres—the internationally famous TV talkshow host from Metairie—broadcast a video clip of New Orleans musician, Valerie Sassyfras. “So, there’s this video I […]
Dwayne Dopsie is here to pump you up
“I wanted to be the main taco,” Dwayne Dopsie says with a laugh, of his very early desire to not only play the accordion but also lead his own band […]
Dancing at Her Funeral: Boyfriend is exploring life beyond rap cabaret
The rollers in her hair, the vintage wardrobe, the cerebral wit, the feminism—all are hallmarks of Boyfriend, the Tennessee-raised songwriter, singer and performance artist whose aesthetic realm was built primarily […]
Lena Prima: Coming to terms with her musical bloodline
For the past eight years, Lena Prima and her band have been doing regular shows at the Monteleone’s Carousel Bar. For those in the know, it’s one of those special […]
Lifetime Achievement in Music: Walter “Wolfman” Washington
All but a few of the direct links to the days when New Orleans R&B ruled the world have passed, but Walter “Wolfman” Washington still provides a window into that […]
Without the Mask: Jon Batiste busts out of the proverbial box
It doesn’t concern Jon Batiste if some people tend to put him in a particular musical box. “That’s okay, I always break ’em,” declares the pianist, vocalist and composer who […]
The Gospel according to PJ Morton
Nearly three years ago, New Orleans native son PJ Morton returned home after leaving the city to pursue life elsewhere. He was gone 13 years, during which time the pianist, […]
Dyna-Mite: Jon Cleary keeps the New Orleans piano tradition’s fuse lit
“I think if I have any talent at all, it’s for picking good guys to play with to make me sound good,” Jon Cleary says, then laughs and takes another sip […]
Derrick Freeman and James Martin are shaping the soul of future brass band music
“The Levels” is the newest song in Soul Brass Band’s repertoire. Written by the band’s founder, Derrick “Smoker” Freeman, it’s a harbinger of his plans for a new album. “It’ll […]
Ashlin Parker brings in more and more (and more) trumpet players to join his Trumpet Mafia
“So we’re messing around with my worst nightmare—and that’s re-harmonizing trad tunes.” Ashlin Parker smiles, his demeanor as bright as the red and yellow paint-spatter design on his t-shirt. He’s […]
