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:
Photo by Kim Welsh
American country singer, songwriter, and actor Lyle Lovett, whom long-time OffBeat Magazine fans will remember from our May 2000 Issue, will be performing live at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, August 17, at 8 p.m. Known for his diverse musical style that blends country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues, Lovett has released 13 albums and 25 singles since his debut in 1980. He has received four Grammy Awards, including recognition for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album. Lovett’s upcoming performance offers an opportunity to experience his unique genre-blurring approach firsthand. For those interested in attending, you can purchase tickets here.
Lena Prima. Photo by Gus Bennett
The Lena Prima Band will perform at the Carousel Lounge in Hotel Monteleone on Thursday, August 17, at 9 p.m. Lena Prima is known by many as the singer and daughter of renowned swing musicians Louis Prima and Gia Maione, and graced the cover of OffBeat Magazine in 2019. Having grown up in Las Vegas and later relocating to New Orleans—where her father grew up—Lena Prima and her husband, bass guitarist Tim Fahey, have established a regular musical presence at the Carousel Lounge. With a history of performances at events like Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest, the Lena Prima Band’s upcoming show provides a chance to enjoy their musical talents in an intimate setting. To learn more about this Weekly Pick, click here.
Photo by Michael Bolli
Les Getrex & Creole Cooking are set to perform at Bamboula’s on Friday, August 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. From New Orleans’ Sixth Ward neighborhood, Les Getrex’s musical journey began early, encompassing experiences such as singing spirituals in church and playing trumpet in school. Furthermore, many locals may remember Les from last year’s Danny Barker Festival or collaborations with well-known artists like Johnny Adams, Ernie K-Doe, and Antoine “Fats” Domino, among others, who have contributed to Les Getrex’s career. With a consistent presence at jazz and blues festivals across the U.S. and Europe, including Jazz Fest here in New Orleans, Les Getrex & Creole Cooking’s upcoming performance aims to be an engaging musical experience at Bamboula’s. For more information, check out Bamboula’s official website.
Little Freddie King, photo by Stephen Maloney
Little Freddie King, the former OffBeat Magazine cover artist and American Delta blues guitarist who recently celebrated his 83rd birthday, is set to deliver a live performance at BJ’s Lounge in the Bywater, where he and his band first started practicing in the early 1990s, on Friday, August 18, at 9 p.m. Born Fread Eugene Martin in 1940, King’s musical journey began in McComb, Mississippi, before he found his home in New Orleans. With influences from John Lee Hooker and a distinct style that sets him apart, King has performed at major festivals such as Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest, recorded several notable albums, and earned recognition, including an induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and 2022 Best of the Beat Lifetime Achievement Award. His recent album, Blues Medicine, released in 2022, continues his musical legacy. Join him for an evening of soulful blues and celebrate his enduring contribution to the genre. Check out the official BJ’s Lounge Facebook page to stay updated with the event.
George Brown
The George Brown Band s gearing up f or a performance at the Blue Nile on Saturday, August 19, starting at 8 p.m. This 21+ event offers free admission and continues the band’s residency, which began last month at the venue. George Brown, a seasoned musician with an impressive 19-year musical journey, has graced stages worldwide, sharing the musical heritage of New Orleans. His role as a cultural ambassador to Japan has introduced international audiences to the city’s rich traditions and soulful music. Brown’s extensive experience is underscored by collaborations with renowned artists such as the Hot 8 Brass Band, Shamarr Allen, and Trombone Shorty. His versatility and talent have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the local scene. If you’d like to learn more about the upcoming Weekly Pick, click here.
Photo by Elsa Hahne
Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen are set to deliver a live performance at the Maple Leaf on Saturday, August 19, starting at 8 p.m. With a headline slot at the Orpheum Theater’s first reopening anniversary in 2016 and an appearance from frontman Jon Cleary on the cover of OffBeat Magazine in 2018, the band’s presence in the New Orleans music scene is noteworthy. Cleary’s deep affection for the city’s music traces back to his upbringing in rural Cranbrook, Kent, where he was immersed in a musical family environment. Cleary’s connection to the city’s musical heritage was influenced by his London performer grandparents and an uncle who brought home a trove of New Orleans R&B records. His passion led him to New Orleans in 1981, where he first worked as a painter at the Maple Leaf Bar before transitioning to performing on the piano. To join Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen at Cleary’s stomping grounds, the Maple Leaf, check out the venue’s official website.
Photo courtesy of Richmond Folk Festival
Bruce Daigrepont, who sat down with Offbeat Magazine for our January 2022 Issue, is scheduled to deliver a live performance at Tipitina’s on Sunday, August 20, at 5:15 p.m. Known for his deep-rooted connection to Cajun music, Bruce’s musical journey began in New Orleans and has since encompassed a dynamic career spanning multiple instruments and compositions. His Sunday “fais do do” dances at Tipitina’s have become a cherished tradition since 1986, reflecting his commitment to preserving Cajun culture. With a distinctive voice and accordion skills, Bruce’s performances celebrate his heritage through a versatile repertoire, blending traditional Cajun tunes with fiddle reels, blues, Zydeco, and more. To see Bruce’s evening of cultural pride and one of our Weekly Picks, click here.
The band Mars, formed by New Orleans guitarist, composer, educator, and OffBeat Magazine‘s Lifetime Achievement in Music Education Recipient, Steve Masakowski in 1981, will reunite for a special performance at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Sunday, August 20. The original lineup included Steve on guitar and keytar, Larry Sieberth on keyboards, James Singleton on bass, and the late James Black on drums. The band focused on original music influenced by early electronic instruments and composers of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their self-titled LP, recorded in 1982 at Allen Toussaint’s Sea-Saint Studios, featured notable jazz musicians and was reissued in 1989. The reunion show, “Return to Mars,” will feature Steve Masakowski, Larry Sieberth, James Singleton, and Ricky Sebastian on drums. The event will offer a chance to experience the band’s original compositions. The performances will occur at 8 and 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Frenchmen Street. To purchase tickets, visit Snug Harbor’s website.
