Night Shows During Jazz Fest: Weekend II
Here are top picks for night shows around New Orleans to keep the music going on April 28-May 3.
Grahame Lesh & Friends
April 28 & 29, 7:30 p.m.
The Joy Theater, $62.15 to $200.40
Grahame Lesh is performing at the Joy Theater for two nights, bringing even more talent to a weekend full of musical creativity. Lesh is also known as the son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. His celebrated technique is surely genetic as Grahame Lesh follows in the footsteps of his father, showcasing his skill on the guitar and complementary vocals. The group performs original music, as well as Grateful Dead pieces. The unique system of Grahame Lesh & Friends enables various artists to join the group, creating a revolving line up that has featured Oteil Burbridge, Holly Bowling, John Molo, Jason Crosby, and Daniel Donato.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe Plays Jimmy Cliff
Thursday, April 30, 8 p.m.
Fillmore New Orleans, $49.75 to $98
A Jimmy Cliff tribute performance is coming to the Fillmore on April 30, featuring Karl Denson's Tiny Universe and La Lom. This event celebrates the legacy of Jamaican reggae musician Jimmy Cliff. Tiny Universe will bring Cliff's arrangements to life in a seven-piece funk and jazz performance, led by Karl Denson, the former saxophonist for the Rolling Stones. The band formed, in-part, out of Denson's desire to pursue a leadership role in a new artistic space. The other band members—Ricio Fruge, Ricky Giordano, Rashon Murph, Parker McAllister, Alfred Jordan, and Danielle Barker—help make this dream come true and have created a new funk sound.
Wilco
April 30 & May 1, 9 p.m.
Saenger Theatre, $60.39 to $96.99
Wilco will be performing at the Saenger Theatre on April 30 and May 1, serving as the perfect close to April and kick off to May. Wilco is a rock band based out of Chicago and was formed in 1994. The group has received various Grammy Awards, celebrating their albums and sound, which incorporates indie rock, folk rock, alternative country, and more. Their hit songs include "Jesus, Etc.," "California Starts," and "How to Fight Loneliness." With over two million monthly Spotify listeners, guests can expect a large audience turnout for the chance to catch this beloved band live.
Nell Simmons-Bradley
Friday, May 1, 7 p.m.
Commons Club, Free Admission
The Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans has launched a live music series called Quarter Sounds, which will feature Nell Simmons-Bradley on May 1. Simmons is most famously known for her appearance on Season 27 of The Voice, the Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert shows, and USA Today. Simmons has also appeared at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans in the past while performing for the Zulu Ball. As a New Orleans native and musician, it is only proper that Simmons is featured locally during one of the most popular festivals in the city.
Fareed Haque Trio
May 3, 11.59 p.m.
Café Istanbul, $40 to $50
Fareed Haque is one of the most outstanding and highly-regarded guitarists on the scene and has spent decades creating stunning musical explorations with his band Garaj Mahal and musical luminaries including Sting, Arturo Sandoval, Danilo Perez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Paquito D'Rivera, Howard Levy, Herbie Mann, Bob James, Richie Cole, Joey Caldarazzo, John Patitucci, Joe Henderson, Joe Zawinul, and scores more. This spectacular 2026 Café Istanbul Nightfest Closing Night Show features New Orleans heavyweights Herlin Riley on drums and bassist Mark Brooks. Don't miss these three masters at work and play.
