Best Shows During Jazz Fest's Second Weekend
After the sun sets on the Fair Grounds during Jazz Fest, the night shows begin. From funk artists to indie musicians, these are 10 must-see night shows happening across New Orleans to proceed a festive time at Jazz Fest.
1. Grahame Lesh & Friends - April 28 & 29, Joy Theater
1200 Canal St., (504) 766-8051
Grahame Lesh & Friends is a rotating band ensemble with Lesh as the lead singer and guitarist. Lesh is the son of legendary Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. The group plays Lesh's original songs, as well as Grateful Dead classics. Their concerts will feature many special guests, with different ones each night. Doors are at 6:30 p.m., and the concert will start at 7:30 p.m. The show is 18+, and tickets start at $63.
2. Wilco - April 30, Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal St., (504) 525-1052
Wilco is a renowned alternative rock group based in Chicago. Their 2002 album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, put them on the map as an indie rock band. Two years later, they won a Grammy for their album A Ghost Is Born. Doors are at 9 p.m., and tickets for the concert start at $122.
3. Karl Denson - April 30, Fillmore
6 Canal St., (504) 881-1555
Karl Denson is a saxophonist from Santa Ana, California. He has played with the Rolling Stones and also has his own jazz funk group, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. Denson and his band have toured and played with iconic artists such as Lenny Kravitz, John Oates, and The Roots. They will be playing at the Fillmore at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $50.
4. Soul Rebels - April 30, Le Bon Temps Roule
4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448
The Soul Rebels are a New Orleans-based band who combine jazz, hip-hop, funk, and pop to create a uniquely captivating sound. They are an eight-piece brass band who are incorporated by the city's second lines and jazz culture. Since 2002, the Soul Rebels have been playing at Le Bon Temps Roule, creating a legendary tradition that draws crowds from near and far. The concert will be at 11 p.m., and tickets are $20.
5. The Black Keys Record Hang - May 1, Toulouse Theater
615 Toulouse St., (504) 571-9771
The Black Keys are a distinguished rock duo from Akron, Ohio. The group consists of drummer Patrick Carney and singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach. While they are famous for their music, they also enjoy appreciating others' work. Carney and Auerbach occasionally host "Record Hangs" in various cities, which consist of marathon DJ sets. They call it "an appreciation of good sounds, good times, and good humans." Times and ticket details will be announced closer to the date.
6. Gov't Mule - May 1, Orpheum
129 Roosevelt Way, (504) 274-4871
Gov't Mule is a Southern rock band that was created in 1994 in Atlanta. The band consists of Warren Haynes [guitar, vocals], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Kevin Scott [bass]. The band is Grammy-nominated and has over 20 studio albums, which includes their most recent one Peace… Like A River. They are playing at the Orpheum Theater, with doors at 8 p.m. and the band playing at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $50.
7. Trixie Minx's Burlesque Ballroom - May 1, The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2299
Trixie Minx is a burlesque dancer based in New Orleans. She is best known for her unique performance style that combines classic burlesque with comedy. Trixie Minx is at the forefront of the movement to preserve and revive the art of burlesque. She will perform at the Jazz Playhouse with Romy Kaye on vocals. The show will be from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $30.
8. Gramatik - May 2, House of Blues
225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999
Gramatik is a Slovenian electronic music DJ and producer. He combines dubstep, hip-hop, and electronic music. He is inspired by European electronic music from the early 2000s, as well as iconic hip-hop artists such as Dr. Dre. Gramatik will be performing at the House of Blues, with doors at 8 p.m. and the show starting at 9 p.m. The show is 18+, and tickets start at around $40.
9. Ari Lennox - May 3, Fillmore
6 Canal St., (504) 881-1555
Ari Lennox is an R&B singer based in Washington, D.C. She gained popularity with her 2019 hit "Pressure" and is now on tour for her new album Vacancy. The show will be at The Fillmore with doors at 8 p.m., with the show starting at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $48.
10. Fareed Haque Trio - May 3, Café Istanbul
2372 St. Claude Ave. Room 252, (504) 975-0286
Fareed Haque Trio is a jazz trio led by guitarist Fareed Haque. The group combines jazz and classical sounds with international inspiration from Haque's Pakistani and Chilean heritage. Haque has been a guitar maestro for over 20 years, with his start being in Chicago under renowned classical music mentors. In 2009, Haque was voted "Best World Guitarist" by Guitar Players Magazine and has won a plethora of awards since then. The Fareed Haque Trio will be playing at Café Istanbul at midnight. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.
