Anders Osborne
Friday, April 24, 8 P.M.; $33
House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
houseofblues.com/neworleans
If you are still on a blues kick after the gates at Jazz Fest close, make your way down to the House of Blues to check out Anders Osborne. Fresh off his latest album, Freedom & Dreams, Osborne puts on an enchanting show that blends blues, funk and Southern rock—a sound that’s unique and a pleasure to be in the audience for.
Gov't Mule
Friday, April 24, 8:30 P.M.; $38.50–71.50
Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St.
saengernola.com
In 1994, two members of The Allman Brothers Band created Gov't Mule (known as Mule) as a side project. Today, Mule is one of the most recognizable Southern rock jam bands. Do not miss your chance to see Gov't Mule perform after Jazz Fest and have your mind blown by the sick guitar riffs and awesome jam session.
Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Men
Friday, April 24, 9 P.M.; $25
House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
houseofblues.com/neworleans
If you’ve not heard local singer and songwriter Jon Cleary on the piano, there will be no better time than when you are downtown after spending the day at Jazz Fest. Cleary and his band give old school New Orleans blues an injection of contemporary funk and are a can't-miss show this festival season.
ShamarrFest with Shamarr Allen
Saturday, April 25, 9 P.M.; $5
Shamrock, 4133 S. Carrollton Ave.
shamrockparty.com
In what other city can you go to a bar and play pool, ping-pong, foosball, darts, arcade games and anything else you can think of while listening to some classic New Orleans brass and jazz? Make your way to Shamrock and see the trumpet wizard Shamarr Allen, Hot 8 Brass Band and more, all while being able to dance, drink and play games. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Dash Rip Rock
Saturday, April 25, 10 P.M.; $13.65
Carrollton Station, 8140 Willow St.
carrolltonstation.com
Right in the heart of the Riverbend is Carrollton Station and this Jazz Fest they will be hosting one of the great rock bands of the South: Dash Rip Rock. Dash Rip Rock plays with an irreverent sense of humor and undeniable swagger. They play a little alternative country, a little Southern rock, but with a whole lot of fun and without holding back anything.
Givers
Saturday, April 25, 10 P.M. $17–20
Publiq House, 4528 Freret St.
publiqhouse.com
The Lafayette indie-pop product Givers are blowing up, so do not miss your chance to see them in New Orleans before they head to Wakarusa, Lolapalooza, and Outside Lands this summer. Their alternative-pop sound is always fun to party to, as they seamlessly mix pop, electronica and harmonic vocals to get you on your feet and bouncing around.
Mississippi Rail Company
Saturday, April 25, 10 P.M.; $12
Gasa Gasa, 4920 Freret St.
gasagasa.com
The quartet that makes up Mississippi Rail Company puts a light and harmonic twist on classical New Orleans blues, which can be a fresh breath of air if you are looking for something other than brass on Frenchmen Street. Go Uptown and check out something a little different. Bring your dancing shoes because you will need all the help you can get trying to keep up with these guys.
Dumpstaphunk
Saturday, April 25, 1:30 A.M.; $25
One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St.
oneeyedjacks.net
If you find yourself downtown past midnight after the first Saturday of Jazz Fest, why would you go anyplace else if Dumpstaphunk is playing a late-night show at One Eyed Jacks? Dumpstaphunk will instantly put some pep back into your step if you are feeling tired after a long day jammin' out at Jazz Fest. You can never have enough funk and soul in your life anyway.
Slayer
Sunday, April 26, 8 P.M.; $45–50 Adv.
The Civic Theatre, 410 O Keefe Ave.
civicnola.com
Go out on the first weekend of Jazz Fest with a (head)bang at the Civic Theatre. Slayer, one of the most recognizable sounds in metal, will be rocking the Crescent City with their thrash rock. Even if you do not consider yourself a metal fan, you owe it to yourself to check out the visuals and performance that Slayer puts on for their audience.
Sweet Crude with Tank and the Bangas and Quickie Mart
Sunday, April 26, 8 P.M.; $10 advance, $12 at the door
One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St.
oneeyedjacks.net
Close out the first weekend of Jazz Fest with a little progressive rock provided by Sweet Crude. This young, up-and-coming band is from South Louisiana and likes to blend some French language and Cajun strings into their music. If you go to their show, not only will you be having a fun time with their alternative-indie sound, but you can polish up on your French and then show off to your friends.
Boom Boom Room presents Pimps of Joytime + Vinyl
Sunday, April 26, 2 a.m.
Maison, 508 Frenchmen Street
maisonfrenchmen.com
If anyone is interested in a late-night show after Jazz Fest, head to Maison on Frenchmen Street and check out Pimps of Joytime and Vinyl. Pimps of Joytime mixes a funky, blues sound with electronic dance beats that make for an energetic experience. The San Francisco band Vinyl has been touring the festival scene for over 20 years and is a consistent jam-band favorite.
