Spring is on the horizon and that means it’s time to get ready for YLC Wednesday at the Square. As usual, the weekly (and free) concert series will take place 5pm-8pm in Lafayette Square every Wednesday from March 15 – May 24.
This year’s lineup features a cross section of Louisiana artists, from old school legends like Irma Thomas and George Porter Jr. to young guns like Sweet Crude and Amanda Shaw. Other headliners include Marc Broussard, Jon Cleary, John “Papa” Gros, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Jon Cleary, Flow Tribe, Big Sam’s Funk Nation, Kermit Ruffins and Tank & The Bangas.
A few interesting tidbits can be found on this year’s lineup lineup. For instance, Wednesday at the Square will host its first-ever Tuesday event during Jazz Fest. Slated for May 2, the show will bring New Orleans native and jazz phenom Christian Scott to Lafayette Square with his Quintet. The Tipitina’s Interns will perform as well, just one day after they hold things down at the annual Instruments A Comin’ benefit. Another noteworthy headliner is New Orleans native and Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton, who will bring his solo project to the square on May 10.
The quality of the lineup is also exemplified by the quality of the supporting acts, who are no slouches either. Distinguished openers include current OffBeat cover artists Naughty Professor, 2016 Best of the Beat winner Mia Borders and Rumplesteelskin, a side project led by pedal steel master Ed Williams of The Revivalists.
WLC Wednesday at the Square is a benefit for the Young Leadership Council, and proceeds from the events’ food and drink sales will go to supporting the program.
Here’s a look at the full schedule:
March 15 – Irma Thomas + Jamal Batiste
March 22- Amanda Shaw + Daria & The Hip Drops
March 29 – Marc Broussard + Kristin Diable
April 05 – George Porter Jr. + RumpleSTEELSkin
April 12 – Jon Cleary + John Papa Gros (co-headline)
April 19 – Big Sam’s Funky Nation + Naughty Professor
April 26 – Flow Tribe+ Robin Barnes Music
May 2 (Tuesday) – Christian Scott Quintet + The Tipitina’s Interns
May 03 – Kermit Ruffins + Marcia Ball (co-headline)
May 10 – PJ Morton + Andrew Duhon
May 17 – Headliner TBA + Mia Borders
May 24 – Sweet Crude + Tank and the Bangas (co-headline)
