It’s another exciting week in New Orleans with no shortage of live music and cultural events to keep you entertained! Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks (3/07 – 3/11):

Corey Harris, the renowned blues and beyond singer-guitarist, is returning to New Orleans for the Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival this weekend. Harris will showcase his talent twice during the festival—on March 7 at the New Orleans Museum Art for the multi-artist 10th annual celebration concert and on March 8 at Snug Harbor. Joining other New Orleans musicians mentored by Barker, including Dr. Michael White, Gregg Stafford, and festival founder Detroit Brooks, Harris will be one of the featured artists at this year’s event. The festival, honoring the late Barker, opens on March 6 with the Banjo and Guitar Summit at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center, followed by various performances and a kick-off patron party at the Terrell House Bed and Breakfast. Running through March 10, most events will be held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, offering attendees a chance to celebrate the legacy of Barker and enjoy the talents of numerous performers. For more information, visit the festival’s website here.

Loyola University presents The Legendary Dixie Cups in Concert on Thursday, March 7th at 7:30 p.m. in Nunemaker Hall. Hosted by Arthel Neville, the event will feature a special Q&A session with original Dixie Cup member, Barbara Hawkins, offering fans a glimpse into the iconic group’s career. Renowned for their timeless hits like “Chapel of Love” and “Iko Iko,” The Dixie Cups’ infusion of New Orleans soul has left an indelible mark on the American pop landscape. Opening the show will be Loyola’s very own vocal group, Final Take. Attendance is free but RSVPs are required due to limited seating. Learn more here.

Sleater-Kinney makes their New Orleans stop on the “Little Rope Tour,” at The Joy Theater on Friday, March 8 at 8 p.m. Having carved out their place as one the the defining American indie rock bands of the late ’90s, Sleater-Kinney’s dynamic fusion of alt-rock fervor and unyielding passion solidified their status as musical trailblazers. After a hiatus that only served to amplify their legendary status, the band returns to the stage, ready to ignite audiences with tracks from their latest album, “Little Rope.” Learn more of purchase your tickets on The Joy Theater website.

Margie Perez. Photo by Noe Cugny

Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of Margie Perez as The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation proudly presents “Chanteuse: Celebrating New Orleans Women in Music” on Friday, March 8,  at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. Perez takes the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at only $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite, For those unable to attend in person, the concert will be streamed live on jazzandheritage.org/live. Learn more here.

Get ready for an electrifying night at Santos as Dead Leaf Echo, Swallow the Rat, and Missing take the stage on Tuesday, March 12 at 9 p.m. Hailing from Brooklyn, Dead Leaf Echo is a music/art collective known for their distinctive blend of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics. With influences ranging from 4AD acts to My Bloody Valentine, their sound is a mesmerizing fusion of shimmering guitars and volatile energy. Joining them are Swallow the Rat and local goth faves, Missing. Tickets are priced at $12 and can be purchased here.

A Wednesday at the Square. Photo by Kim Welsh

Join the festivities at Lafayette Square for week two of Wednesday at the Square on March 13th from 5-8 p.m., featuring the vibrant sounds of Brass-A-Holics alongside Flagboy Giz. Presented as part of a dynamic 10-week concert series, this event promises more than just music, with every purchase directly supporting the Young Leadership Council. Music lovers and foodies alike can relish in the talents of local artists while indulging in delicious culinary offerings. Learn more here.

Join the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) for an evening of captivating melodies that includes Copland’s Appalachian Spring and a mesmerizing selection of works by Thomson, Ligeti, and Bartok at the New Marigny Theatre on March 13, 2024, at 6 p.m. Led by conductor Matthew Kraemer, this chamber orchestra concert promises an evening of musical brilliance and exploration with a diverse array of symphonic treasures. Doors open at 5 p.m. Learn more at LPOmusic.com.

Weekly Picks (3/07 – 3/11)