Get ready for an exciting week of live music and cultural events in New Orleans. With a range of events catering to different interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this week’s OffBeat Weekly Picks:
Photo by Rick Olivier
Jason Mingledorff, the talented musician and saxophonist, is set to host a release party on Thursday, August 10, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro for his recent album, Start It! Having recently unveiled his album on May 26th, Mingledorff has been making waves in the music scene and was spotlighted in OffBeat’s July issue. Renowned for both his solo work and contributions to the award-winning New Orleans Nightcrawlers, which secured the title of Best Brass Band at the 2022 Best of the Beat Awards, Mingledorff has also worked alongside iconic New Orleans musicians, including Harry Connick Jr., Irma Thomas, The Neville Brothers and George Porter Jr., among others. The event aims to serve as a night of jazz and a celebration of Mingledorf’s latest effort. For those interested in attending, tickets are available here.
Photo by Gage Skidmore
Jimmie Vaughan, the American blues rock guitarist and singer based in Austin, Texas, will perform live on Friday, August 11th, at 7:30 p.m. at the House of Blues with his Tilt A Whirl Band. Vaughan, the older brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan and former member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, draws influence from notable blues guitarists like the “Three Kings” (Albert, Freddie, and B.B. King) and Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Day one OffBeat Magazine fans may remember our BackTalk with Jimmie in 1998! The show this weekend marks his return to New Orleans after a significant hiatus. The event aims to be a night of classic blues music, showcasing Vaughan’s guitar skills and vocals. To purchase tickets for the show, click here.
Photo from Wikimedia
The annual charity event Red Dress Run is this Saturday, August 12, starting at 9 a.m. The event has been held since 1995 and is organized by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers. Whether locals or visitors, participants are encouraged to wear red dresses for this distinctive occasion. The event involves a two-mile run that begins at Crescent Park in the Bywater neighborhood. Following the run, participants aged 21 and above can enjoy lunch and live music at 11:30 a.m. While registration is recommended, it’s not mandatory to be a part of the Hash House Harriers to join. The registration fee of $65 supports local charities. The event’s festivities extend into the neighboring French Quarter during the afternoon and evening. To learn more about the event or register, visit the Red Dress Run website.
Kevin O’Day. Photo from Facebook
Zony Mash Beer Project (3940 Thalia Street) hosts a musical tribute on Saturday, August 12, at 5 p.m., in memory of Kevin O’Day, the New Orleans drummer who passed away in March 2022. The event will feature performances by Brokedown Streetcar, Alex McMurray and his band (playing songs from Royal Fingerbowl), The Roadmasters, and more. O’Day, known for musical prowess and swift return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, played a crucial role in supporting the local music scene. His involvement spanned various groups, including Single Atom Theory, the Midnite Disturbers, Mustache Petting Zoo, the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, Lynn Drury, Bonerama, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, and Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Kevin O’Day and the Live Animals. The event is a commemorative tribute to his significant contributions to the local music scene. Tickets for the tribute are available now.
Russell Batiste. Photo: Courtesy Funky Uncle
Russell Batiste, the New Orleans drummer and member of the renowned musical Batiste family, will perform on Sunday, August 13, at 8 p.m. at Le Bon Temps Roule (4801 Magazine St.). This performance marks the beginning of his residency at the venue. With a musical upbringing, Batiste’s talents extend beyond the drums; he started his musical journey at four, mastering instruments like keyboards, saxophone, guitar, and bass. His early exposure to music led him to join the family band at just seven years old. He has collaborated with notable artists like Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Joe Krown, who recently released his new album titled Tribute, and others throughout his career. Batiste’s upcoming Le Bon Temps Roule show aims to showcase his musical prowess and New Orleans roots. For more information on this event, please see Le Bon Temps Roule’s official website.
