Mid-December’s week is brimming with holiday fun and musical magic throughout the city, here’s a look at our local OffBeat Weekly Picks (December 12 – 18).
On Thursday, December 12 at 8 p.m. Tipitina’s will host Trombone Shorty Foundation Presents: Tunes for Toys, a benefit concert featuring Trombone Shorty, whose fusion of jazz, funk, and rock has captivated audiences worldwide. Joining him will be Cimafunk & La Tribu, the Cuban sensation blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary funk, and students from the Trombone Shorty Academy, showcasing the next generation of New Orleans talent. You can learn more or purchase tickets at Tipitinas.com.
Also on December 12, Mahmoud Chouki will perform at Chickie Wah Wah at 8:30 p.m. Chouki, a Moroccan-born multi-instrumentalist, creates mesmerizing soundscapes by weaving North African influences with New Orleans jazz, blues and flamenco rhythms. His ability to transcend genres makes his performance a celebration of global music. Learn more or purchase tickets here.
On Saturday, December 14, Tipitina’s presents Dragon Smoke at 9 p.m. an all-star supergroup featuring Ivan Neville, Eric Lindell, Stanton Moore, and Robert Mercurio. Their performance will showcase a vibrant mix of soul, funk and blues. Special guest Ghalia Volt adds her electrifying blues energy, promising an unforgettable night of musical synergy. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.
On Tuesday, December 17, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro hosts Brian Roy Haas with Stanton Moore & Skerik at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. This trio combines Haas’s innovative jazz piano, Moore’s dynamic drumming, and Skerik’s avant-garde saxophone for a boundary-pushing exploration of sound. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.
Judith Owen and Harry Shearer.
That same evening, the Orpheum Theater will present Harry Shearer & Judith Owen’s Christmas Without Tears, at 8 p.m. This intimate evening of music and humor featuring guest artists like Kermit Ruffins, Sonny Landreth, and Arcade Fire’s Win and Régine and more. This benefit concert supports Innocence Project New Orleans. You can purchase tickets and learn more here.
On Wednesday, December 18 Kermit Ruffins’ Crazy Cool Christmas Party brings festive cheer to Chickie Wah Wah at 8 p.m. The beloved trumpeter and vocalist will deliver his signature blend of music and charisma, reflecting his deep connection to New Orleans’ musical heritage. You can learn more or purchase tickets at ChickieWahWah.com.
Weekly Picks (December 12 – 18)
