Must-See Performances at 2025 Bayou Boogaloo
The beloved Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Festival returns to the scenic banks of Bayou St. John for another year of vibrant music, local culture, and community celebration. This cherished New Orleans tradition continues to showcase the best of local and regional talent while offering festival-goers an authentic Louisiana cultural experience.
Friday - May 16
Honey Island Swamp Band performs Dark Side of the Bayou
Honey Island Swamp Band plays the music of Pink Floyd with their own distinctive "Bayou Americana" style. The band, which formed from New Orleans musicians who found themselves in San Francisco after Hurricane Katrina, brings together elements of funk, blues, rock, reggae, and Southern swamp to create a unique, danceable sound.
Jelly Joseph
New Orleans' own Jelly Joseph brings her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence to Bayou Boogaloo. A rising star in the local music scene, Joseph has made a name for herself with her soulful interpretations of funk, R&B, and New Orleans classics. Her dynamic performances and incredible vocal range have earned her acclaim across the city, where she's known for both her original music and her ability to breathe new life into beloved standards.
Leo Nocentelli
Leo Nocentelli, a founding member and lead guitarist of the funk band the Meters, brings his legendary guitar skills to Bayou Boogaloo. Known for writing original versions of funk classics like "Cissy Strut" and "Hey Pocky A-Way", Nocentelli's influence on funk music is foundational. His performance promises to showcase the authentic New Orleans funk sound that helped shape modern music.
Saturday - May 17
Big Freedia's Gospel Revival
Known as the "Queen of Bounce," Big Freedia has become one of New Orleans' most influential musical exports. A pioneer in the city's bounce music scene, Freedia has collaborated with major artists including Beyoncé, Drake, and Lizzo, bringing the high-energy, bass-heavy sound to national audiences. Her electrifying performances have earned her appearances on major television shows and helped establish bounce music as a significant force in contemporary hip-hop.
glbl wrmng
A New Orleans-based collective of artists, producers, and music business professionals, glbl wrmng is transforming the music industry through their commitment to education, expansion, and respect for the culture. They promote collaboration and unity among hip-hop, visual artists, and music business communities.
Crowe Boys
The Crowe Boys are bringing their distinctive alternative sound to Bayou Boogaloo, showcasing the musical chemistry that only brothers can share. Their powerful performances blend uplifting melodies with honest storytelling, drawing from their experiences of family bonds, life's challenges, and personal growth. Known for their authentic lyrics and definitive riffs, the duo creates an engaging atmosphere that resonates with audiences through their message of hope and resilience.
Sunday - May 18
LSD Clownsystem
LSD Clownsystem is a unique LCD Soundsystem tribute band from New Orleans that puts a distinctive spin on their shows by incorporating clown aesthetics. Made up of local musician friends, the band performs in full clown makeup and costumes while staying true to LCD Soundsystem's dance-punk sound. They add New Orleans flair by incorporating local references and clowning elements into the lyrics, complete with honks and bonks, with their shows proving popular enough to take on tour.
420 Funk Mob
420 Funk Mob is a musical collaboration led by Clip Payne, formerly of Parliament-Funkadelic. The group blends funk, rock, soul and psychedelic styles, featuring tight rhythms, wah-wah pedals, and prominent bass lines in their improvisational performances. Current and former P-Funk members regularly join forces in this dynamic ensemble that carries forward the Parliament-Funkadelic legacy.
Jagged Little Pill: An Alanis Morissette Tribute feat. Alexis Marceaux
Join local favorite Alexis Marceaux as she performs a tribute to Alanis Morissette. The show combines Marceaux's powerful vocals with the iconic songs that defined a generation. This dynamic tribute act brings the energy and emotion of Morissette's music to life.
Planning Your Boogaloo Experience
Festival-goers are encouraged to check the official website and social media channels for lineup announcements and updates. Follow Bayou Boogaloo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest information. For additional details about the festival, including directions and general information, visit thebayouboogaloo.com.
