OffBeat Weekly Picks (December 5 – December 11): Local Music Highlights

As New Orleans prepares for a week brimming with holiday fun and musical magic, here’s a look at the OffBeat Weekly Picks (December 5 – December 11) with events you won’t want to miss:

Photo by Noe Cugny/OffBeat

Kermit’s 60th Birthday Party
Tuesday, December 5, House of Blues
Celebrate OffBeat Magazine’s cover artist, the incomparable Kermit Ruffins, as he rings in his 60th birthday with a grand bash at the House of Blues. Kermit will be joined by his band, the BBQ Swingers, TBC Brass Band and a host of special guests. Expect grooves from DJ Sugar Ray and birthday shenanigans. Ruffins, a founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band, has been a cornerstone of New Orleans music for decades, blending traditional jazz with funk and a whole lot of joy. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours to join the fun! Learn more or purchase tickets here.

Vincent Hsu & Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band with Donald Harrison
Friday, December 6, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Get ready for a memorable musical experience as bassist and composer Vincent Hsu brings his Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band to Snug Harbor. Joined by NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, this ensemble marries Afro-Cuban rhythms with Taiwanese and jazz influences. Highlights include selections from Hsu’s Music for the River Jazz Suite, drawing parallels between Taiwan’s Love River and the Mississippi, and compositions inspired by gamelan music and Yoruba deities. With Harrison’s soaring saxophone and Hsu’s innovative compositions, this will be an unforgettable evening. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum’s “Improvisations Gala”
Saturday, December 7, New Orleans Jazz Museum
The Jazz Museum’s 7th annual gala, “Aquatic Gardens,”  features local cuisine, craft cocktails, interactive exhibits, and live performances from Cimfunk, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Little Freddie King, Wanda Rouzan & A Taste of New Orleans, Detroit Brooks & the NOLA Jazz Museum Band. Musical luminaries Erica Falls, the Amina Scott Quintet, Vincent Hsu & Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band from Taiwan, New Breed Brass Band, the Kristin Diable Band, The Treme Lafitte Brass Band, the Britney Chauntae Band and others. Attendees will also be treated to the sights and sounds of Kit Harris & the N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls, Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson & the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas, NOLA Chorus Girls, Hibriduz Jazz Band from Honduras, and the NOCCA Jazz Ensemble. Funds raised support the museum’s educational initiatives. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.

Krampus NOLAuf Parade
Saturday, December 7, Bywater
Get into the holiday spirit with a dark twist at the Krampus NOLAuf Parade. Known as America’s largest Krampus parade, it showcases the folklore figure in all his mischievous glory, accompanied by a cast of characters inspired by global winter tales. From Accessibility Row to sustainability efforts, this event combines tradition with modern innovation. The fun doesnt have to end with the parade. The Honor System After Party offers a community-focused celebration following the parade. Recognizing the rising cost of living, the Krewe invites attendees to join the festivities without the burden of a ticket fee and enjoy live music, pop-ups at Bratz Y’all, plus DJ sets and specials at Bud Rips. Attendees are encouraged to make voluntary donations via Venmo (@kreweofkrampus) or via QR codes at the venues. Contributions help cover parade costs and enhance future events. You can learn more here.

An Evening with Keith Frank
Saturday, December 7, Chickie Wah Wah
Zydeco fans are in for a treat as Keith Frank brings his infectious sound to Chickie Wah Wah. A Louisiana pioneer of the “nouveau zydeco” movement, Frank blends traditional Creole rhythms with influences from funk, reggae and rap. With his dynamic accordion playing and smooth vocals, Frank’s performance promises to keep the dance floor packed all night long. You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

Lauren Daigle wins Billboard Music Award

Lauren Daigle: Behold Christmas Tour
Wednesday, December 11 & 12, Saenger Theatre
Grammy-winning artist and Louisiana-born Lauren Daigle brings her soulful voice and heartfelt holiday tunes to the Saenger Theatre for her Behold Christmas Tour. With hits like “You Say” and “Rescue,” Daigle has captivated audiences worldwide. This intimate show will feature classics from her Christmas album, Behold: A Christmas Collection, blending gospel, jazz, and pop for an uplifting holiday celebration. Learn more or purchase tickets at SaengerNOLA.com.