The year is wrapping up and there is no shortage of live music and cultural events in New Orleans to celebrate this weekend! Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (12/28 – 1/03):
INZO courtesy of the artist
On Thursday, December 28, experience 26-year-old EDM sensation, INZO, at The Joy Theater. Renowned for shattering conventional notions of electronic music, INZO, a humble yet immensely talented producer, gained global recognition with his 2018 release, “Overthinker”, which has over 7.5 million Spotify plays to date. The show is all ages with doors opening at 9 p.m.. Learn more or purchase tickets at TheJoyTheater.com.
Little Feat courtesy of the artists
On Friday, December 29, Little Feat will perform at the Joy Theater. A trailblazing force since 1969, Little Feat seamlessly fuses an array of styles—California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country, rockabilly and New Orleans swamp boogie—creating a musical gumbo of eclectic American music that transcends boundaries. Despite facing lineup changes, Little Feat continues to reinvent themselves. Their last studio album, Rooster Rag, released to critical acclaim, proved that even after 50 years they continue to evolve. For tickets or more information go here.
Big Freedia. Photo by OffBeat/Steve Rapport
Ring in the New Year with the undisputed Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia, at the Orpheum Theater’s New Year’s Eve Bouncé Ball. Joined by special guest Boyfriend, the event promises an unforgettable night of music and celebration in the heart of New Orleans. Doors open at 8 p.m., with festivities kicking off at 9 p.m. Ticket prices start at $39. Don’t miss your chance to bounce into the new year! You can learn more or purchase tickets here.
Juvenile. Photo by Marissa Altazan
Also on New Year’s Eve, Juvenile will play at the Saenger Theatre celebrating the 25th anniversary of his iconic quadruple platinum album 400 Degreez. The show also features renowned producer DJ Mannie Fresh, DJ Jubilee and Juvenile’s all-star band with members who perform with Trombone Shorty, Pretty Lights, Lil Durk, Solange, Mystikal and more. Learn more or purchase tickets here.
Brass-A-Holics. Photo by Bob Adamek
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive event to ring in the New Year, The Maison on Frenchmen Street will host a multi-level celebration featuring the Brass-A-Holics and guests performing downstairs with Higher Heights and a DJ spinning party hits in the Penthouse room upstairs. All tickets include premium open bar access from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., a complimentary champagne toast, New Year themed party favors and live music all night long. More info and tickets are available here.
Flow Tribe. Photo by Bob Adamek
You can also countdown the New Year at The Blue Nile with Flow Tribe’s New Year’s Eve Party. Founded in 2004 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Flow Tribe has become symbolic of the unstoppable rhythm and soul of New Orleans. These six southern rascals have graced stages from major festivals to intimate gatherings and recently dropped their new single “Keep Pushing,” which features Ivan Neville. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.
Billy Strings. Photo: Jesse Faatz via Billy Strings Facebook
We’d be remiss not to mention as one of our Weekly Picks recommendation performances by Billy Strings, the guitar/singer phenom who has made New Orleans his go-to for New Year’s Eve. This year, though, he’s playing three nights at the UNO Arena December 29 through December 31. Tickets for all three performances are at Ticketmaster.
