Get ready for another week of live music and cultural events in New Orleans. As usual, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks:
Gretna Fest, which takes place Oct. 6-9, celebrates its 29th Anniversary at 740 2nd Street in Gretna with a weekend you don’t want to miss. Bursting with passion, electricity, and soul, the 2023 lineup includes an exciting slate of international acts and local performers. With headliners such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kool & The Gang, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue alongside fast-rising stars and Grammy-winning artists like Living Colour and The Iceman Special, Gretna Fest has something for everyone to rock out to. On the National Register of Historic Places, the City of Gretna is steeped in history and intrigue with unique architecture and landmarks at every turn. Check out this link for wristbands, the lineup, and more info.
New Orleans Jazz Celebration Inc (NOJC) and University of New Orleans are proud to announce the return of their hit series, Jazz at the Sandbar. This Friday, Oct. 6, catch a screening of the very special Ellis documentary from filmmaker Sascha Just. This is a free screening of the first feature documentary on the life and music of pianist, composer, and educator, Ellis Marsalis Jr, founder of the Jazz Studies department at UNO. A casual reception with refreshments begins at 4 p.m., and the screening begins promptly at 5 p.m., with a post-screening Q&A talk-back with musician, former Ellis Marsalis Quintet band member, UNO faculty, and film subject, Derek Douget, plus special guests, immediately following. On Wednesday, Oct. 11 you can catch guitarist Brian Seeger, the Chair of Jazz Studies, at the UNO Faculty Showcase. Jazz at the Sandbar has been a popular performance series at the University of New Orleans since 1990.. “Jazz at the Sandbar” was established by Ellis Marsalis Jr, the first Chairman of the Jazz Studies Program at UNO. The Sandbar is located inside The Cove complex at 100 Founders Road on the campus of UNO — enter from 2000 Lakeshore Drive. Check this site for more information. Please note, a $10 donation is suggested as it benefits students in the UNO Jazz Studies program.
The Los Angeles-based Italo-disco/dark wave act Nuevo Testamento comes to Santos this Friday with local dark wave artist, Delores Galore. Get your October started off right with certified OffBeat Weekly Picks served with cold bass synth and deep basslines. These acts on the lineup harness the energy of Stranger Things meets Madonna and Dario Argento. While there is technically (techno-y?) no documentation of where the term “Italo-Disco” first appeared, its origins are generally traced to Italian and other European disco recordings released in the German market. Tickets are $15 and available at the door. Don’t forget, doors open at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at Santos Bar, 1135 Decatur Street.
The Krewe of Krampus and their spooky friends, from some of your favorite Krewes, are crawling back out of the swamp this Halloween to haunt you. Swampus Returns is an exciting and innovative drive through parade, which will allow you to enjoy the event from the comfort of your vehicle whether you come alone or with a group of people. As pioneers of the drive through format we discovered it allowed the Krewes to create truly unique tableaus that could showcase their creativity and performance talents in a way a walking parade can’t. In addition to that, it also allows us to create a fully accessible and inclusive event for everyone, which is something that is a focus for the Krewe of Krampus. This year’s space-centric event will take place Saturday night, October 7, at Filmore and St. Roch avenues. For more information, click here.
Depeche Mode, the insanely popular English electronic music band known for such hits as “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus,” bring their own dark wave vibes to the Smoothie King Center this Saturday night with Brooklyn-based DIIV opening. Depeche Mode, whose name in French translates to “hurried fashion” or “fashion dispatch,” formed circa 1980, with the advent of affordable synthesizers and the increasing popularity of electronic music. “Just Can’t Get Enough” landed the band their first synth-pop international hit and singer David Gahan’s infectious hooks have grabbed listeners ever since. Tickets are still available here for the band’s Memento Mori tour.
While many events in Louisiana circulate around alcohol consumption, there are some pretty sweet events that do quite the opposite. The absolutely free Nickel-a-Dime Dance event series pairs live music from the likes of Herlin Riley and Kermit Ruffins with all ages dancers who just want to spend some swinging good times on Frenchmen Street. There’s another event coming up this Sunday afternoon at Maison, 508 Frenchmen Street, and we’ve got the details on what’s in store for you and yours. Click on this news item for details.
NOLA X NOLA is sponsoring a Saints vs. Patriots watch party noon, Sunday, Oct. 8 at Cafe Negril with special guests Khris Royal, Big Sam (Funky Nation) and Derrick Freeman performing during commercial breaks and half time. To sweeten the pot, all domestic beers, well drinks and Specialty drinks will be two-for-one. This is a first at Cafe Negril, 606 Frenchmen Street, and as a music and sports fan, you won’t want to miss it. Reserve your seats here before they’re all gone.
Do you know that many Latin American countries established their independence between September and October and that is why Hispanic Heritage Month takes place between September and October? Enjoy what’s left of this hermosa temporada del año at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. This Friday Los Guiros will perform inside of the museum which also serves as home to OffBeat’s offices. Los Guiros are an original psychedelic group based in New Orleans which blends the influence of traditional folkloric dance rhythms of Colombia and the trippy guitar and organ driven sounds of Peruvian Chicha with modern electronic elements. Tickets are free and the show begins at 2 p.m. at 400 Esplanade Avenue. The season’s festivities will continue Tuesday, October 10 with Rumba Buena performing on the balcony. More details are available here.
Like these OffBeat Weekly Picks? Check out our calendar listings for more fun.
