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Monday, November 17
Glen David Andrews // dba // 10pm
Andrews is a multi-instrumentalist, New Orleans-grown cultural preservation warrior who’s been written up in the Wall Street Journal, featured on HBO’s Treme, and won a Grammy. He comes from a long line of Treme musicians—his brother is in Rebirth and his cousin is Trombone Shorty. Just a classic, wonderful this-only-happens-in-New-Orleans Monday night at dba!
Tuesday, November 18
Method Man & Redman w/B Real Berner, Mick Jenkins // House of Blues // 8pm
I hate politics but there was one thing that happened this past election that got me really excited—Texan women’s rights crusader and filibuster extraordinaire Wendy Davis wearing a freaking Wu-Tang Clan t-shirt to the polls. I will vote for her a million times for not only understanding the bad-assery of Wu-Tang but also flaunting yet another controversial subject in an arena where many surely did not “get” it. Tonight, Wu members and longtime collaborators Method Man & Redman hit Decatur Street. I’ll be there.
Wednesday, November 19
New Orleans Fringe Festival
The New Orleans Fringe Festival features wild, weird, fresh and original theater in unusual places. This year’s fest takes places over a 5-day span starting tonight with over 80 shows throughout the city. Get a button for $3 and get to any show where individual ticket prices are $8. You can also buy a 6-show or all access pass if you’re a hardcore fringer. My picks for the weekend include “Does Anyone Still Wear a Hat? A Tribute to Elaine Stritch,” “Cajunface,” and “Beyond Desire.” There are also a multitude of other fantastic shows happening at the “Bring Your Own Venue” spaces. For full info, go to http://www.nofringe.org/.
The Deslondes w/Twain, Lucas Hicks
Siberia // 10pm
You’re probably going to be in the neighborhood after a great Fringe show, anyway, so come check out one of New Orleans’ best Americana bands fresh off their addition to the Old Crow Medicine Show. Good times at Siberia.
Thursday, November 20
Dr. Dog w/Wavves // Tulane University’s McAllister Auditorium // 7pm
Well… I saw Dr. Dog open for the Raconteurs a few years ago and, to be honest, it wasn’t that great. I thought the lead singer seemed like he was obsessed with eccentric 1970s-era Bob Dylan… and even Dylan can hardly get away with being that Dylan. Sort of cringe-worthy. In the years since, though, Dr. Dog has blown up and refined their sound and hopefully their performance style, too. The band has been tied to My Morning Jacket, Pavement, Guided By Voices, and completed the late night talk show performance circuit of Letterman, Conan, Fallon, and Craig Ferguson. This Pennsylvania-based band is making a great career of rock’n’roll and there ain’t nothing wrong with that. Wavves has had a great decade, as well; they were the buzz of SXSW in 2009 and have ridden that wave (har har) with great success ever since, (Way better than Vampire Weekend did). They maintain their indie cred while climbing the Billboard charts.
Friday, November 21
Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown // Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse // 8pm
Kid Chocolate is another fine New Orleans artist keeping the flame alive. Brown continues the trumpet tradition begun by the greats—Louis Armstrong and King Oliver through both his own music and his work as a teacher to younger musicians. He began playing at age 9 and had already toured the world by age 15. He’s won a Latin Billboard Award and a Grammy and been nominated for two other Grammys plus a Big Easy Award, and collaborated with Irvin Mayfield, Jill Scott, Lenny Kravitz, and many more. Check him out at the Royal Sonesta tonight and you’ll be regaled with jazz, blues, soul, and New Orleans R&B. Date night!
Saturday, November 22
Derrick Freeman // Louisiana Music Factory // 2pm
I told you last week that the Louisiana Music Factory has a hot (and free) Saturday afternoon music series going on. 7 days ago they had the (in)famous John Sinclair in; this week Derrick Freeman, who also drums with Kermit Ruffins, will grace the store with a multitude of talents. As he likes to say, it only took him 20 years to become an overnight success!
If 2 is too early for you, Frenchmen has later great offerings, of course…
Stooges Brass Band //Blue Nile // 11pm
The Stooges Brass Band first formed in 1996 after founder Walter Ramsey witnessed a particularly inspired performance by Rebirth. Since then, Stooges have made a great name for themselves and are proven to be one of the hottest acts in town with their unique mixture of brass, hiphop, funk, and R&B. They’ve traveled the world and played some of the biggest festivals, including Jazz Fest (of course), SXSW, and Bonnaroo. Fun fact: they’re also one of the few American groups to ever tour Pakistan after being selected to do so by the US State Department. Some of the most recognizable names in New Orleans music today have played in the Stooges Brass Band, including Trombone Shorty and Big Sam Williams.
Sunday, November 23
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival // 10am-6pm
Takin’ it back uptown for the 8th annual Oak Street Po Boy Festival! NOM NOM NOM. Sample the offerings from over 15 different restaurants along this secret gem of a corridor while listening to the musical stylings of Rebirth, Big Sam, Mia Borders, Tank & the Bangas, the Joe Krown Trio, and many more! Need recommendation: which vendor has the best shrimp po boy? For real, let me know! More info at http://www.poboyfest.com/.
