From September 4 through September 7 and again September 11 through September 13, OZ will broadcast "Festing in Place: The Next Fest Thing."

WWOZ’s broadcast concert series ‘Festing in Place’ is returning in September

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Back in April and May, during weekends which should have cloaked the city of New Orleans in all things Jazz Fest, WWOZ 90.7 FM aired special programming featuring archival performances from some of New Orleans’ greatest musicians including Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Fats Domino and many others. It was dubbed “Festing In Place” and gave a worldwide audience an opportunity to be in the festing spirit despite the pandemic.

From September 4 through September 7 and again September 11 through September 13, OZ will broadcast “Festing in Place: The Next Fest Thing.” This time around, music fans will be treated to past performances from Jazz Fest but also French Quarter Fest, Satchmo SummerFest, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest, WWOZ studios, New Orleans music clubs and more. Rare performances from various historical collections will also be included.

Folks can expect to hear music from the icons listed above plus more contemporary stars like Tank and the Bangas and Lost Bayou Ramblers. Like the station did with the original iteration of Festing In Place, the Next Fest Thing will include special “cubes” so folks can devise their own listening schedules based on who they want to hear, when. And, much like the New Orleans festivals from which the station will collect its broadcast material, the Next Fest Thing will not only offer music. Programming will include interview segments delving into the cuisine and heritage of Louisiana.

Produced in cooperation with the Archive of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, September’s Festing In Place will invite listeners — lovingly called “Ozillians” — to share photos of their festival get ups and set ups, whether from the couch, backyard, front porch or wherever they’re safely tuning in. To make it even more special, folks are encouraged to wear their favorite festival gear and showcase their flags and chairs.

Also in September, WWOZ will host its annual Groove Gala fundraiser and patron party. This year’s event takes place online on September 3, but it still includes an all-star cast of musical performances like any other year. For more information on that, click here.