Get ready for an exciting week of live music and cultural events in New Orleans. With a range of events catering to different interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks:
Photo: Lilli Lewis Facebook
End your week with an evening of music and art at NOMA at Night, hosted by the New Orleans Museum of Art on Friday, July 21, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The highlight of the evening is the live music from singer-songwriter Lilli Lewis (with her band) who graced OffBeat Magazine’s December 2021 cover and is coming off of a notable Jazz Fest performance. Enjoy the performance while experiencing the museum’s newest exhibition, “Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour.”
Yusa. Photo: World Music Central
Cuban jazz guitarist, Yusa, is set to deliver a live performance at Snug Harbor on Friday, July 21 at 10 p.m. With notable appearances at Wednesday at the Square earlier this year and a highly anticipated set next month at Satchmo SummerFest, Yusa has established herself as a prominent figure in 21st century Cuban music. As an ambassador for Cuban music, Yusa’s multifaceted talents as a guitarist, bassist, vocalist, lyricist and composer has garnered recognition from both local and international audiences. Music lovers can anticipate a conversation with the talented artist, delving into her musical journey and artistic influences in the upcoming August issue of OffBeat Magazine, online next Wednesday July 26. For more information on the show, click here.
Grainne Duffy
Chickie Wah Wah presents Grainne Duffy on Friday, July 21 at 9:30 p.m. Duffy is Irish blues singer, songwriter and guitarist and makes her New Orleans debut. She was originally scheduled to appear at the venue during Jazz Fest, but unfortunately had visa problems and had to postpone this performance until July. Duffy will have guitarist Marc Ford (from the Black Crowes) as special guest. Duffy is known for her exceptional voice that’s inspired by the wellsprings of Memphis but it also reflects the rich undercurrents of her Irish Celtic roots. One of her trademarks is her poetically-crafted lyrics and her enigmatic stage presence. In 2008, Duffy played three days at the Acoustic stage at the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival. In March 2018, Spotify listed Duffy as in the Top 50 Women Honouring Blues. Her album, Dirt Woman Blues, is nominated for a 2023 Blues Blast Music Award.
Helen Gillet. Photo: OffBeat/Elsa Hahne
Helen Gillet, the self-described “Whirling Dervish of the Cello,”will take the stage for a live performance at Saturn Bar on Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. Currently on the road and fresh from captivating audiences in Chicago, Gillet brings her blend of talents to the forefront. Having graced the cover of OffBeat Magazine in February 2010, this Belgian cellist, singer, composer and improviser settled into her artistic home in the city of New Orleans in 2003. With a master’s degree in music from Loyola University, Gillet has forged her own path as an independent artist, collaborating with local luminaries like James Singleton, Jonathan Freilich, Tim Green, Doug Garrison, Aurora Nealand and more. To learn more about this event, visit the Saturn Bar’s social media.
Willie Tee. Photo: The Vinyl Word
On Thursday, July 27, Chickie Wah Wah hosts a special tribute show by the Grammy-winning trumpet player, Eric Benny Bloom. Bloom will pay homage to seminal New Orleans funk band, The Gaturs, alongside talented local musicians. The Gaturs were not as well known as the Meters, but they created a distinct sound based on the party atmosphere for which New Orleans is famous. Led by veteran session musician Willie Tee, the Gaturs’ jazz-inflected funk and soul only made it to a handful of singles, but did pave the way for Tee’s next project — as bandleader for the festive chants of Mardi Gras Indians the Wild Magnolias. The lineup also includes Shea Pierre on keys, Joshua Starkman on guitar, Luke Quaranta on percussion, Alfred Jordan on drums, Eric Vogel on bass, and Miles Berry on tenor saxophone. Special guests will also join the stage for a night to honor The Gaturs and band leader Willie Tee who Bloom describes as “an under-appreciated musician,” often overlooked as an architect of New Orleans funk and soul who helped shape the sound of New Orleans for more than four decades before his death in 2007. Doors open at 10 p.m. Click here for tickets.
New Orleans continues to be a hub of cultural experiences, and this weekend’s live music events exemplify the city’s diverse offerings. Whether you’re a soul music lover or an art enthusiast, these events provide opportunities for entertainment and exploration.
For more details about these events, including ticket information and specific venues, visit the respective event websites or consult OffBeat‘s latest music updates and calendar.
