It’s an exciting holiday week ahead and as usual, there is no shortage of live music and cultural events in New Orleans to keep you entertained! Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (12/21 – 12/27):
Photo courtesy of the artist.
On Thursday, December 21, the virtuoso pianist Sullivan Fortner takes center stage at Snug Harbor’s listening room for a one-night-only solo concert. With a career spanning over a decade, Fortner, a Grammy Award-winning New Orleans native, has become a force to be reckoned with in the realms of piano, composition and band leadership. Having collaborated with luminaries like Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wynton Marsalis and John Scofield, Fortner has garnered international acclaim. There will be two performances, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. with doors opening a half hour earlier. Tickets can be purchased at SnugJazz.com.
Photo by OffBeat/Elsa Hahne
Don’t miss your chance to witness a dynamic performance by Cyril Neville, renowned as “one of the last great southern soul singers,” and his son Omari Neville, carrying on the Neville family’s rich musical tradition at Tipitina’s on Friday, December 22 with their band, The Fuel. Cyril Neville’s percussion skills and soulful vocals have made him a standout figure in the New Orleans music scene. Growing up in a family surrounded by music, Cyril was deeply influenced by his three older brothers and played a pivotal role in the innovative funk band, the Meters. In collaboration with his son Omari and The Fuel, Cyril Neville manages to honor the past while creating something uniquely new. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Learn more or purchase tickets here.
Photo by Jared Lorio
Join the celebration as the Stooges Brass Band marks their 20th anniversary with a performance on Friday, December 22 , 10 p.m. at The Rabbit Hole. Renowned as one of New Orleans’ premier brass bands, the Stooges seamlessly fuse classic brass sounds with contemporary jazz, hip-hop and pop influences. Since their inception in 1996, they have captivated global audiences and shared the stage with musical luminaries such as Ozomatli, Black Star, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Trombone Shorty, Galactic and more. These festival favorites promise an unforgettable night of celebration and high-energy performance. Learn more or purchase tickets here.
Walter “Wolfman” Washington.
Photo: OffBeat/Noé Cugny.
Also on Friday, December 22, at 10 p.m. friends and fans will gather to mark Walter “Wolfman” Washington’s Heavenly 80th Birthday at The Maple Leaf Bar with an evening of music, memories and revelry. The event will feature performances by The Roadmasters with special guests: Mem Shannon, John Gros, Les Getrex, Ed Willis and Mikey B3. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Learn more or purchase tickets here.
Photo OffBeat/Noé Cugny
On Saturday December 23, at 7 p.m., don’t miss your chance to experience the electrifying blues of rising star Ghalia Volt at the NOLA Brewing Taproom. Ghalia’s latest album, Shout Sister Shout, has soared to the top 3 of the Billboard Best Blues Album chart, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the blues scene. Fresh from a successful run with the Allman-Betts Revival Tour, Ghalia brings her dynamic performance to the intimate setting of the Taproom Barn. If you’re a blue’s fan, don’t miss this opportunity to witness Volt in a setting that promises an unforgettable evening of live music and good vibes.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Also on Saturday, December 23, Tipitina’s presents Flow Tribe’s Christmas Crunktacular, featuring special guests Quarx and Valerie Sassyfras for a night of festivities and sensational music. Flow Tribe, known for their unstoppable rhythm and passion, recently released the upbeat funk/soul anthem “Keep Pushing,” which features Ivan Neville and provides a tantalizing preview for their upcoming album. This single, a testament to resilience, follows the band’s rich history over the last 15 years while showcasing how they continue to evolve. Join them for an evening of Crunktacular holiday cheer. Learn more or purchase tickets here.
George Porter Jr. Photo: OffBeat/Noé Cugny
Celebrate Christmas with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient George Porter Jr. and The Runnin’ Pardners at George’s 76th Birthday Funktacular celebration. George Porter Jr. was a co-founder of The Meters in 1965, and his iconic bass lines, including the timeless “Cissy Strut,” continue to resonate across genres and inspire and influence numerous artists. Don’t miss this chance to experience the enduring legacy of funk with a musical journey through past, present, and future. The event takes place at The Maple Leaf Bar on December 25, 9 p.m.. Tickets are $25 and there are limited-edition posters available for sale online as well. You can purchase tickets or learn more here.
