Get ready for an exciting week of live music and cultural events in New Orleans. As usual, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks:

The Soul Rebels, the eight-piece brass ensemble hailing from New Orleans, will deliver a live performance at Le Bon Temps Roule on Thursday, August 24, starting at 11 p.m. The band is known for its genre-blending approach, seamlessly mixing soul, jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, and pop elements within a modern brass band framework. Notable achievements include a feature on OffBeat Magazine‘s cover in 2019 and a recently disclosed residency at New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club. The group has also shared stages with various artists like Nas, Dave Chappelle, Robert Glasper, and Rapsody. Adding to their repertoire, The Soul Rebels collaborated with Walt Disney on the track “His Soul Left Gloss on the Rose,” featured in the new film Haunted Mansion. The band contributed original music to the movie and its soundtrack, earning them a prominent place in the official Walt Disney soundtrack lineup. To learn more about this Weekly Pick, click here.

Jamey St. Pierre, photo courtesy of the artist

Jamey St. Pierre, the soulful singer-songwriter from New Orleans, is gearing up for a live performance at Cafe Negril on Friday, August 25, with sets scheduled for 6:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. With an active presence in the music scene, Jamey has performed at numerous venues, including DMac’s Bar & Grill, Pour House Saloon, House of Blues, MRB Bar and Kitchen, Buffa’s, and Three Keys at the Ace Hotel, among others. His musical style is deeply rooted in New Orleans blues, showcased through his original compositions and his renditions of tracks by artists like Bill Withers, Nina Simone, and Ray Charles. OffBeat fans may remember Jamey from our September issue last year, where he discussed his musical journey. To purchase tickets to one or both of Jamey’s upcoming sets at Cafe Negril, visit the venue’s official website.

Photo courtesy of 504icygrl

Local hip-hop and bounce artists 504ICYGRL, HaSizzle, Poppy H, Flagboy Giz, and Lil Iceberg are performing together for “Kruel Summer 3.0,”  that is taking place at Toulouse Theatre on Friday, August 25, starting at 8 p.m. Born as a microfest in 2021 under the initiative of 504ICYGRL, Kruel Summer has evolved into a platform showcasing an array of New Orleans talent. OffBeat has been covering nearly every artist on this year’s lineup for years and has even featured HaSizzle and FlagBoy Giz as cover artists on different occasions. Sounds for the event will be provided by two of the most impressive up-and-coming DJs in the city, Legatron Prime and DJ FTK. To purchase tickets for this Weekly Pick, visit Toulouse Theatre’s website. 

Nayo Jones performing at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

The Nayo Jones Experience will perform at The Jazz Playhouse on Saturday, August 26, featuring shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Nayo Jones made her debut at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2012 and has been a regular participant since. Over the years, she has shared the stage with notable acts like Chris Botti, Otis & the Temptations, The Whispers, and Lakeside. Jones has also toured alongside jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins. Jones was previously highlighted in OffBeat Magazine‘s July 2018 issue, further solidifying her presence in the music scene. Despite being relatively new in the industry, her performances showcase a classic influence and have drawn comparisons to artists like Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, and Billie Holiday. Her contributions extend beyond solo work, as she is featured on Kermit Ruffins’ album #imsoneworleans. With her own releases, such as My Name is Nayo Jones, a holiday collection, and the EP Nayo, she is currently focused on creating her first jazz album. To purchase tickets for either of Jones’ upcoming performances, click here. Jones also performs in the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone on Friday, August 25.

Jeremy Davenport

Jeremy Davenport will performs at the Davenport Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Saturday, August 26, beginning at 8 p.m. Combining original music and lyrics, Davenport’s performance evokes a contemporary edge intertwined with the nostalgia of jazz’s golden era. With prowess in both vocals and trumpet, he has caught the attention of notable figures like Sting, Paul McCartney, Harry Connick, Jr. and Diana Krall. Having emerged from a family of musicians in St. Louis, Davenport’s journey has been influenced by mentorship from jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. With a rich discography, including albums like Jeremy Davenport and We’ll Dance ‘Til Dawn, and accolades like his cover feature in OffBeat Magazine in August 2009, Davenport’s over-a-decade-long residence at the Ritz-Carlton further solidifies his enduring contribution to the city’s musical tapestry.

Hurricane Katrina second line parade, photo courtesy of New Orleans & Co.

The New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation and the Hip Hop Caucus will hold their annual healing ceremony and march on Sunday, August 27, in remembrance of Hurricane Katrina’s 18th anniversary and the subsequent federal levee failures. Beginning at 11 a.m. at N. Galvez Street and Jourdan Avenue, the healing ceremony will feature a multi-faith prayer and a reading of the names of Katrina victims. The group will then march towards Hunter’s Field at N. Claiborne and St. Bernard avenues, accompanied by the New Groove Brass Band, igniting a second-line celebration. Following the march, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., a rally at Hunter’s Field will showcase performers, vendors, speakers, and organizations commemorating community resilience. The event, co-organized by the Hip Hop Caucus, known for engaging youth in activism through hip-hop culture, will highlight local artists such as Dawn Richard and voices advocating for climate justice in south Louisiana and recognize August 29 as a local holiday.

Michael Liuzza. Photo by Ashford Halley

Michael Liuzza & Co. will perform live at Dos Jefes on Sunday, August 27, at 8 p.m. Michael Liuzza, the esteemed local jazz pianist and vocalist, leads the ensemble. Earlier this year, Liuzza released his single “Is It Good,” showcasing his ability to blend jazz and blues. The group’s endeavors have garnered recognition, with a feature of Liuzza in OffBeat Magazine in August 2019. Hailing from the state and having attended LSU, Michael Liuzza & Co. bring a local flavor to their musical endeavors. To learn more about this Weekly Pick, interested individuals should make sure to check out the official Dos Jefes website.