It’s another exciting week in New Orleans with no shortage of live music and cultural events to keep you entertained! Check out our OffBeat Weekly Picks ( May 30 – June 5)

Versipel New Music will close its tenth season with Chaos Cultures II, a special collaboration featuring Chris Alford, Byron Asher and Alexandria Smith. The event, scheduled for Thursday, May 30, at 8 p.m. at the New Marigny Theatre, will showcase the world premiere of James May’s commissioned work “Dredge I” alongside performances of Anthony Braxton’s “Composition No. 245,” James Tenney’s “In a Large Open Space,” Annea Lockwood’s “bayou-borne,” and more. Tickets are available on a sliding scale basis with a suggested donation of $20. for the general public, $10. for students. You can learn more about it here.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will present the 2024 Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival Friday and Saturday, May 31 – June 1, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. The festival celebrates the musical traditions of Southwestern Louisiana with performances by Waylon Thibodeaux, Rosie Ledet, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., and Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie. The festival kicks off on Friday, May 31, with indoor performances by Sheryl Cormier & the Cajun Sounds and Jourdan Thibodeaux. Entry is only $10. on Friday and is Free on Saturday with proceeds from ticket sales supporting the foundation’s cultural programs. For those who cannot attend in person, the concerts will be livestreamed. You can purchase tickets or learn more here.

Tipitina’s will host Flow Tribe and Marina Orchestra as part of its Free Fridays Concert Series on Friday, May 31, starting at 8 p.m. Flow Tribe, a dynamic six-piece local band, is known for their energetic live performances and eclectic musical style that blends funk, rock and hip-hop. Formed in 2004, the group quickly gained a following with their high-energy shows and infectious rhythms. Sponsored by Tipitina’s, New Orleans & Company, Crystal Hot Sauce and Crescent Canna, this event offers a free evening of lively music at no cost. You can learn more about the music series here.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum will present the 12th NOLA River Fest on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 11 a.m. This free event celebrates the culture, music and history of the Mississippi River. Attendees can enjoy live performances by Bobby Rush,  The N’awlins Dawlins Baby Dolls, DJ Archivist, Treme Lafitte Brass Band, Grayhawk Perkins, George Brown Band, Egg Yolk Jubilee, Jason Neville Funky Soul Band and Britney Chauntae. There will also be a second-line, educational exhibits and family-friendly activities throughout the day. You can learn more about this annual event here.

Hip-hop sensation Megan Thee Stallion, known for her chart-topping hits like “Savage” and “Body,” brings her dynamic stage show to Smoothie King Center on Saturday, June 1, at 8 p.m. for the “Hot Girl Summer Tour.” Joining her is GloRilla, rising star and viral sensation, best known for her breakout track “F.N.F. (Let’s Go).” Together, these two performers are expected to deliver a night of high-energy music and performances, making it a must-see event for hip-hop fans. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.

The George Porter Trio, will perform two shows at the Maple Leaf Bar on Monday, June 3, at 7 and 10 p.m. The trio includes Mike Lemmler on keys, Terrence Houston on drums, and Chris Adkins. George Porter Jr., a legendary figure in the New Orleans music scene, is best known as the bassist for The Meters, that’s credited with pioneering the funk genre. With a career spanning over five decades, Porter has played with a multitude of artists across genres, contributing his distinctive bass grooves to numerous recordings and performances. You can learn more about the show and purchase tickets here.