It’s another exciting week in New Orleans with no shortage of music and cultural events to keep you entertained. Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (5/16 – 5/22):
Country music legends Brooks & Dunn bring their “Reboot 2024 Tour” to the Smoothie King Center May 16 at 7 p.m. With a career spanning decades and hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “Neon Moon,” Brooks & Dunn promise a high-energy show filled with all of their classic hits and fan favorites. Known for their dynamic performances and iconic harmonies, these award- winning artists are sure to provide a memorable experience for country music fans of all ages. You can purchase your tickets here.
It’s another fabulous festival weekend featuring Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo on Bayou St. John. This year’s festival runs May 17 to 19 and promises an exhilarating mix of music, arts, culture and fun for all. The daily lineup features an impressive array of artists, including Nik West, George Porter Jr. & his Runnin’ Pardners, GZA, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Lez Zeppelin, SaxKixAve, Afroman and many others. There’s also an arts market, a kid’s cultural pavilion and even a crawfish eating contest and baby alligator petting zoo. The festival’s Comedy & Cabaret tent will feature performances throughout the weekend including burlesque bingo and a drag brunch. You can learn more by going here.
Join Chickie Wah Wah on May 17 at 10 p.m. for Lynn Drury & the Easy Riders band, featuring special guests Papa Mali. Award-winning singer-songwriter Lynn Drury, accompanied by the Easy Riders band, delivers a blend of country, blues, and New Orleans groove that she calls “NOLAmericana.” With Papa Mali on guitar, Justin Davi on bass, Jack Jones on drums and Satoru Ohashi and Dominic Grillo on trumpet and saxophone, this lineup promises an electrifying performance. Drury will be performing songs from her critically acclaimed album “High Tide,” and other favorites. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
ART JAM takes place at the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice on Saturday, May 18 from 10 – 2 p.m. Presented by Ochsner and The Sunstone Project, this free family-friendly arts festival is a celebration of creativity, education and joy. ART JAM offers a wide range of hands-on activities, live performances and arts-based workshops led by KID smART teaching artists, NOLA Artist Incubator, ArtCamp 504, NOLA Nature School and more. Children will have the chance to explore topics like gardening, mask making, clay creations and more, fostering their imagination and artistic expression in a supportive community environment. Visit the website for more information.
Photo by Paul Broussard Courtesy NOCCA website
The NOCCA Foundation Art & Soul Gala, presented by the Meraux Foundation, takes place Saturday, May 18, at NOCCA. As NOCCA marks its fifty-year milestone of nurturing Louisiana’s young artists, this gala honors its legacy and vibrant community. Dance to music from Tarriona “Tank Ball” and Mark-Anthony Thomas at the patron party, plus Gladney and Xavier Reed and NOCCA Alumni All-Stars. There will also be music performed by NOCCA students and alumni, delectable creations from NOCCA’s Culinary Arts students and renowned chefs, an auction with artwork, vacation packages and more in the Art & Soul auction. Tickets range from $50 to $250. You can learn more about this unforgettable evening here.
Get ready to groove to the sounds of Tchoup Making Sense: A NOLA Tribute to Talking Heads at Tipitina’s on Saturday, May 18 at 9 p.m. Featuring a stellar lineup including Steve Kelly, Michael Fouquier, Noah Young, Rob Kellner, Joe Pizzolato, Sam Shahin and Jesse McCraw, this tribute promises to capture the essence and energy of iconic Talking Heads hits reimagined with a New Orleans twist. You can learn more or purchase tickets for only $17 here.
Phosphorescent graces the stage of the Toulouse Theatre on Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. Led by Matthew Houck, Phosphorescent delivers a soul-stirring performance that blends indie rock, folk and Americana into a mesmerizing sonic experience with evocative lyrics and ethereal melodies. Tickets are available for $35 and you can learn more or purchase your tickets here.
The legendary Chris Isaak performs live at the House of Blues on Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. With his signature blend of rockabilly, blues and pop, Chris Isaak has captivated audiences around the world for decades. Known for his sultry voice and timeless hits, Isaak promises an evening of unforgettable music. From “Wicked Game” to “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing,” his performances are always electrifying. Grab your tickets here before they’re gone.
