It’s a festive week ahead in New Orleans with no shortage of live music and cultural events to keep you entertained! Check out our OffBeat Weekly Picks ( July 4 – July 10).
The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, celebrating its 30th anniversary, returns to New Orleans from July 4-7 at the Caesars Superdome. The event features an incredible lineup of artists, including headliners Janet Jackson, Megan Thee Stallion and Kendrick Lamar, showcase performances by Mary J. Blige, Usher, Jill Scott, local performers such as Tank and The Bangas and more. The festival features a mix of music, culture and empowerment seminars and promises an unforgettable weekend filled with anniversaries tributes, and nostalgic moments that attendees won’t want to miss. View the full lineup and additional activities here.
On Friday July 5 at 8 p.m., Tipitina’s presents the Free Fridays Concert Series, featuring Sierra Green & The Giants alongside Sporty’s Brass Band. Sierra Green is known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. She blends elements of soul, funk and blues, creating a captivating sound that resonates with audiences. With her passionate performances and deep-rooted connection to the musical heritage of New Orleans, she has become a standout artist in the local music scene. Doors open at 8 p.m., and this free event is open to the public for ages 21 and over on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can learn more about the music series here.
Also on Friday, local icon Big Freedia, a dynamic performer known for popularizing bounce music, will be performing at Chickie Wah Wah at 9 p.m. Emerging from New Orleans’ Third Ward, Freedia has achieved stardom with a reality show, numerous television appearances and high-profile collaborations with artists like Drake and Beyoncé. Known for hits like “Nice For What” and “Formation,” Big Freedia remains a powerful force in the music industry and always puts on a fabulous show. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.
Also on Friday at 8 p.m., The historic Dew Drop Inn hosts The NOLA Music Review, an evening of New Orleans music and cultural legends headlined by NEA Jazz Master Big Chief Donald Harrison. Featuring billion-streaming producers Deezle and BlaqNmilD, hip-hop legend Choppa, singer Tonya Boyd-Cannon, and members of the Congo Square Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group. This event promises a unique showcase of local traditional, soul, funk, New Orleans tribal, jazz, bounce and second-line music. Tickets start at $25. and are available on the Dew drop Inn website here.
The Friday Fireworks continue at BJ’s Lounge with local legend Little Freddie King performing with Dr. Bones and The Test Dummies at 9 p.m. Little Freddie King, the reigning blues monarch of New Orleans, is celebrated for his unique style and deep musical history. An inductee of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, King has toured extensively, released critically acclaimed albums and garnered a dedicated following worldwide. His iconic presence and powerful performances continue to delight blues fans, making him a staple in New Orleans’ vibrant music scene. You won’t want to miss this intimate performance. Tickets are available at the door only.
On Sunday, July 7, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., New Orleans native Miles Berry celebrates the release of his debut album “Lost for You” at Snug Harbor. Influenced by jazz greats like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, Berry will be joined by master musicians Nicholas Payton, Mike Clement, Peter Harris, and Gerald Watkins Jr. for two shows that promise to captivate jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Tickets are available for $25 on the Snug Harbor website here.
Weekly Picks (July 4 – July 10)
