As the holiday season takes hold in New Orleans, our vibrant music culture and spectacular performances cater to every genre. Here’s a look at our local OffBeat Weekly Picks (December 19 – 25). Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Flow Tribe’s 15th Annual Christmas Crunktacular & Professor Longhair Memorial Birthday Celebration : Tipitina’s | Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m.
Flow Tribe hosts their 15th Annual Christmas Crunktacular at Tipitina’s, a tradition that blends their funky New Orleans sound with holiday cheer. The event doubles as a celebration of the legendary Professor Longhair’s birthday, featuring The Professor Longhair Memorial Band. Henry Roeland Byrd, a.k.a. professor Longhair is known for his seminal role in shaping the New Orleans rhythm-and-blues sound. Celebrate Professor Longhair’s legacy at this energetic homage. Attendees can expect Flow Tribe’s signature high-energy grooves paired with the timeless rhythms of Longhair-inspired and -written music.

Girls Play Trumpets Too: Second Annual Holiday Concert with Troy Sawyer: Ellis Marsalis Center for Music | Saturday, Dec. 21 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Empowering young female musicians, the Girls Play Trumpets Too (GPTT) initiative celebrates its second annual holiday concert. This year’s event features renowned jazz trumpeter Troy Sawyer alongside talented young musicians, Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and the Bangas, and Lady Satch from Berklee School of Music. With live performances, delicious food sponsored by Chapter IV Restaurant and refreshments, the concert offers a festive and supportive event for nurturing the next generation of trumpeters. Hosted by City Council President Helena Moreno, the event is free but encourages donations to support GPTT’s mission.

Kimberly Kaye and Arsene Delay of The Coven. Photo by Edward Carter Simon

The Coven: Celebrating Women in New Orleans Music: d.b.a. | Saturday, Dec. 21 | 6 p.m.
An all-female powerhouse lineup takes the stage at d.b.a. for The Coven, a celebration of women in New Orleans music. Featuring Debbie Davis, Arsene Delay, Kimberly Kaye, Mia Borders, Miss Sophie Lee and Kate Duncan, this concert promises a dynamic blend of genres and artistic styles. These accomplished artists showcase the strength and diversity of female talent in the local music scene.

NOCCA Foundation and the family of Daniel Price’s 20th Anniversary Home for the Holidays: House of Blues | Saturday, Dec. 21 | 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Marking its 20th year, the NOCCA Foundation’s Home for the Holidays fundraiser brings together a stellar lineup of New Orleans legends, including Irma Thomas, Rebirth Brass Band, and Kermit Ruffins. Proceeds support the Daniel Price Memorial Fund, which has provided over $500,000 in scholarships for NOCCA students. This star-studded event celebrates the city’s artistic heritage and supports the next generation of talent.

Big Freedia Christmas with The Queen Diva and Jelly Joseph: Tipitina’s | Saturday, Dec. 21 | 9 p.m.
Get ready for a holiday party like no other with Big Freedia, the Queen of Bounce, bringing her iconic energy to Tipitina’s. Joined by the soulful Jelly Joseph, this concert promises a night of infectious beats, lively performances and unparalleled festive fun, blending bounce music with holiday spirit.

The Solstice Circle: Tif “Teddy” Lamson, Leyla McCalla, and Helen Gillet: Chickie Wah Wah | Sunday, Dec. 22 | 8 p.m.
Three extraordinary artists unite for The Solstice Circle, a performance celebrating the season and the power of song. Tif “Teddy” Lamson’s rich vocals and multi-instrumentalism meet Leyla McCalla’s Haitian, Creole, and American folk influences, alongside Helen Gillet’s genre-defying cello artistry.

Weekly Picks (December 19 – 25)