Issue Articles
From the Street to the Stage: Big Chief Juan Pardo at the Congo Square Rhythms Festival
Golden Comanche Big Chief Juan Pardo is also a key part of the group Tribal Gold, the union with the New Orleans Suspects, who will be playing the Congo Square Rhythms Festival. The dust had barely settled on Mardi Gras when we sat down at Rue de la Course to discuss how everything is organically coming together for him in the right way.
Barbara Hawkins & The Dixie Cups Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of “Chapel of Love”
New Orleans’ own The Dixie Cups are celebrating a big anniversary, not only for the 60th anniversary of timeless “Chapel of Love,” but all the other hits that followed. They are also the feature of this year’s radiant Jazz & Heritage Festival poster. Founding member Barbara Hawkins looked back on a time in which three teenagers were the premier girl group in the country, knocked the Beatles off the number one pedestal, and took Mardi Gras Indian music to the airwaves. Founding members Rosa Hawkins and Joan Johnson are no longer with us physically, but their spirit and legacy flourishes.
Born to Win: Britti always wore her heart outwardly
There are certain vocalists who bring you to full attention the first time you hear them. A unique signature means a lot, especially so in a world where mimicry reigns. Britti can’t help being herself, though. Her new album Hello, I’m Britti on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound is a stellar introduction, a testament to the power of strong songwriting, abiding and genuine expression enduring.
Journey to Funkstar: Water Seed – Anticipating The Future
You can always expect the new and unexpected from Water Seed and bandleader Lou Hill. They’re about to unveil Journey To Funkstar: An Immersive Concert and take you on a ride. It promises to be quite the experience and one not to be missed.
504icygrl & PoppyH: Rollin’ With The Krewe (EP) (Krewe Records)
Rollin’ With The Krewe is dropping just in time for Carnival season. The new EP from rap power couple 504icygrl & PoppyH brings New Orleans hip-hop in the context of Mardi Gras music. The cover by artist Hantwan Louis Alexander pops, same as the beats throughout, and makes it clear this is music for cutting up and strutting.
Zulu Coconuts: Jon Cleary Goes to the Mardi Gras
On Twelfth Night, Grammy-winning Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen released “Zulu Coconuts,” a new Mardi Gras song. We sat down in Bywater to talk about the tune, Carnival perennials, and how the ultimate connection between Mardi Gras music & Afro-Caribbean roots mirrors Cleary’s own musical passions.
Mamie Desdunes: The teenage girl who helped create the New Orleans sound
Mamie Desdunes: The teenage girl who helped make the New Orleans sound.
The great pianist Jelly Roll Morton who popularized jazz, claimed to have been the inventor of it. He would have been a little too young for that, being born in 1890. Storyville, the notorious red-light district where he eventually played as a piano “professor,” was already in full swing with this music when he was still a kid.
The Box That Rocks: The Cigar Box Guitar Festival is coming!
In a city of festivals, the eighth annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival is one of the most unique, while being quintessentially New Orleans. It offers great music, unique instruments, and special guests in an ideal location, the New Orleans Jazz Museum. From veteran Lil’ Jimmy Reed to young Erin Coburn, this is a fest for the best in the field.
Ricky Sebastian: Best Of The Beat Lifetime Achievement In Music Education
Ricky Sebastian, this year’s Lifetime Achievement in Music Education Award honoree is a drummer extraordinaire who has played with the best, in New Orleans and around the world, and is an educator as high quality as it gets. We sat down to talk about how a kid from Opelousas became one of the most versatile drummers anywhere and where sheer talent, consistent dedication, and ongoing curiosity can lead you.
David Russell Batiste, Sr.: Best Of The Beat Lifetime Achievement In Music
David Russell Batiste Sr., this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Music honoree, has a strong legacy of family, music, and education. As his son Jamal put it, “My father has a continuing fire to share his music and touch people.
