New Orleans begins its now-annual NOLAxNOLA celebration of music in the city on Thursday, September 26. The upcoming month is full of exciting events with something for everyone from music lovers to festival-goers. Check out our OffBeat Weekly Picks (September 26–October 2).

NOLAxNOLA kicks off this week. Running from September 26 to October 6, 2024, this citywide celebration of New Orleans live music boasts too many events to list. Now in its fourth year, the festival features over 300 events at 50+ venues, with performances ranging from local legends to rising stars. Highlights include the Roast of Ivan Neville on September 26, the hard-hitting Sage Against the Machine on September 27, the NOLAxNO COVER series on Frenchmen Street on September 29, Suplecs & Supagroup’s Rock n’ Roll Matinee and the Stanton Moore Trio on September 30. Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen will bring their groove on October 1, followed by Peter Harris’ “Firm Roots” on October 2. Originally conceived during the pandemic, NOLAxNOLA has evolved into a key cultural event, showcasing the city’s music scene. You can view the complete lineup here.

Photo by Kim Welsh.

Irvin Mayfield brings his “Music Church” series to the Blue Nile on Thursday, September 26. The Grammy Award-winning trumpeter will lead an evening of music alongside a stellar lineup of local talent. Joining him is Kermit Ruffins, the legendary trumpeter and vocalist with his infectious energy; Cyril Neville, a founding member of  The Neville Brothers, a member of The Meters and his own bands; J. Batiste contributes his modern and innovative approach, Glen David Andrews brings his powerful trombone into the mix, as well as Big Chief Donald Harrison, on saxophone. The lineup is rounded out by the Latin-infused rhythms of Alexey Marti on percussion and the zydeco stylings of Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event page.

Friday Freakout at The Rabbit Hole promises a night of eclectic underground music with performances by Whisper Party!, Lotta Graffiti, and Beach Angel on September 27. Whisper Party! will kick off the night with their infectious indie-electronic sounds, while Lotta Graffiti brings experimental beats and bold, unconventional style. Beach Angel will close the night with dreamy, surf-inspired rhythms. Doors open at 6 p.m., and with tickets priced at just $10, it’s an affordable way to dive into New Orleans’ thriving alternative music scene. You can learn more or purchase tickets here.

The International Arts Festival returns to New Orleans from September 27 to 29, 2024, offering a three-day celebration of global and local talent. The festival kicks off with Jazzy NOLA at the historic Orpheum Theater on September 27, featuring jazz performances by local legends and international stars. The event will be headlined by saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. Over the weekend, the festivities continue at Louis Armstrong Park, where attendees can enjoy open-air performances by renowned artists such as Steel Pulse, Average White Band, Spyro Gyra, and reggae sensations Jesse Royal and Yohan Marley.  You can learn more here.

The inaugural BlackAmericana Fest will take place on Saturday, September 28, at The Broadside in New Orleans, spotlighting the contributions of Black artists in folk, country and Americana music. This free, all-ages event will showcase a stellar lineup of performers including Leyla McCalla, Joy Clark, Lilli Lewis, Nikki Hill, Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, Mia Borders and more. In addition to live performances, the festival will feature a panel discussion on the legacy of Black musicians in Americana, folk and blues. With a focus on community engagement, food and art vendors from Black-owned businesses, and a platform for emerging artists, BlackAmericana Fest aims to honor and elevate the narrative of Black Americana . You can learn more about this new festival here.

Nickel-A-Dance, photo courtesy of New Orleans Jazz Celebration.

On Sunday, September 29, the annual Nickel A Dance series launches its fall season with Kevin Louis & the Palm Court Jazz Band.  The series will pay tribute to the legacy of the recently closed Palm Court Jazz Café, the venue that for decades served as a home to New Orleans’ classic trad jazz bands. Organized by the New Orleans Jazz Celebration, the series will honor the musicians who made the Palm Court a cornerstone of the city’s traditional jazz scene. Taking place every Sunday in October from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., this free, family-friendly event will be held at a new venue, Favela Chic (formerly Café Brasil), on Frenchmen Street.  You can learn more about the series here.

The BK House Soirée in the Vieux Carré will offer an intimate evening of music with John Boutté and Amber Rachelle & the Sweet Potatoes in the courtyard on Sunday, September 29. This special event, set at the Historic BK House & Gardens, is a fundraiser aimed at preserving this historical and cultural treasure.Funds raised will support major restorations to interior plaster and masonry. Tickets are $125, and attendees can enjoy an elegant night of music and history in a unique setting. You can learn more or purchase your tickets online here.

Weekly Picks (September  26 –  October 2)