Top 10 Shows to See at NOLAxNOLA
Start the fall season off right with one of the unforgettable events happening for the NOLAxNOLA series, which is in its fifth year.
The NOLAxNOLA events bring together local and national music together for a week of entertainment and diversity. From September 25 to October 5, you can catch different shows each day at one of the iconic venues around New Orleans. This is a guide to help you narrow down which events to experience.
1. The Roast of Jelly Joseph at Tipitina's
501 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-8477
Kickoff NOLAxNOLA right on September 25 at Tipitina's with The Roast Of Jelly Joseph. Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph is a powerful entertainer and singer in the New Orleans music industry. Although she's known mostly for her lead singing in the funk jam band Galatic, Jospeh has been singing since she was a little girl.
As NOLAxNOLA celebrates and honors musicians, the kickoff roast is meant to bring attention to the things we love most about them. Come listen to The Roast of Jelly Joseph with tickets starting at $27.50 on ticketweb.com.
2. Muevelo for Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at N.O. Jazz Museum
400 Esplanade Ave., (504) 568-6993
Muevelo is one of the most popular Latin dance bands in New Orleans, featuring multi-talented Margie Perez and Grammy-winning saxophonist Brent Rose.
Meaning "Move It!" in Spanish, Muevelo is set to bring dancing and good vibes to the grounds of the New Orleans Jazz Museum on September 26. The show is free and starts at 2 p.m. in the Performance Center.
3. Big Freedia with LPO at Orpheum Theater
129 Roosevelt Way., (504) 274-4871
Big Freedia will take the stage again at the Orpheum Theater for a show stopping performance accompanied by the beautifully composed sounds of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra on September 26. Big Freedia and the LPO have had three collaborations, including an album followed by sold out shows. Experience a night of New Orleans bounce energy and classical live music.
This event is also partnered with Reaching Out MBA, an organization that promotes awareness on LGBTQ+ and inclusivity. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased on lpomusic.com.
4. Eric Johnson at the House of Blues
225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4990
Eric Johnson is an American music artist known for his creative songwriting and top notch guitar work. His 1990 song "Cliffs of Dover" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock International Performance.
House of Blues New Orleans will be welcoming him on September 26 for NOLAxNOLA. Tickets start at $25 and are available on ticketmaster.com.
5. BlackAmericana Fest at The Broadside
600 N Borad St., (504) 218-1008
BlackAmericana Fest brings focus to the impact and importance the Black community has made on Americana folk music in New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta. Experience two days of diversity on September 26 and 27 at Broadside NOLA.
Artists including Dusky Waters, Dom Flemons, The Suffers, Layla McCalla, and more are slated to perform. Tickets start at $37.24 for a weekend pass, while kids 11 and under are free to attend. Visit here for tickets.
6. LSD Clownsystem at Vaughan's Lounge
4229 Dauphine St., (504) 947-5562
LSD Clownsystem is a collective of artists with brilliant costumes that take the stage to celebrate the much loved band LCD Soundsystem.
The cover band is all about art and having a night of colorful experiences and good times. Their show is on September 30 and will take place at Vaughan's Lounge. There will be no cover and the show will start at 10 p.m.
7. George Porter Jr. Trio at Maple Leaf
8316 Oak St., (504) 866-9359
Lifetime Grammy Achievement Award holder George Porter Jr. is a local legend when it comes to funk music in New Orleans. Spending the last five decades as a bassist in the group The Meters, he has paved the way for what many know as funk music in the Crescent City.
Catch him and his live band at Maple Leaf Bar on September 29 for $17 in advance or $20 at the door. Buy tickets here.
8. Brass-A-Holics ft. Kayla Love at The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2299
The Jazz Playhouse is hosting the Brass-A-Holics, which will put on a night of New Orleans style brass with influences of Washington, D.C. based "go-go" music, on October 2.
Local vocalist Kayla Love combine her soul soothing vocals with the captivating sounds the Brass-A-Holics offers. Visit here for ticket pricing and options.
9. Honey Island Swamp Band Trio Brunch Show
901 Louisiana Ave., (504) 891-9626
Enjoy some classic New Orleans style brunch with the sounds of blues, reggae, and more playing in the background. Founded in San Francisco by New Orleans musicians, The Honey Island Swamp Band has a sound that has been described as "Bayou Americana."
The Honey Island Swamp Trio starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4 at Atchafalaya Restaurant. Make a reservation online at opentable.com.
10. Morning 40 Federation at Snake 'n Jake's
7612 Oak St., (504) 861-2802
The Morning 40 Federation started in the Ninth Ward almost 30 years ago and are known for annually playing only a handful of shows. They bring their sound known as drunk church to the legendary Snake 'n Jake's, where The Revivalists played a surprise show last Jazz Fest.
The can't miss performance will take place at 7 p.m. on October 4.
