Welcome to the WWOZ Blog! This is where 'OZ staff and beloved show hosts post news, thoughts, information, and of course, music.

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In Memoriam: James Rivers

Mon, 07/06/26

New Orleans multi-instrumentalist James Rivers has died at the age of 89. Born in 1937 and raised in New Orleans' historic Treme neighborhood, he was renowned for his mastery of the tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone, as well as the flute, harmonica, clarinet, and even bagp... Read more

Slamma Jamma Super Duper July 4 Show with Big Pete

Wed, 07/01/26

Authored by:  Big Pete

Tune in to the "Slamma Jamma Super Duper July 4 Show" with Big Pete this Saturday, July 4, 8-10am as he spins two hours' worth of patriotic jazz as the United States makes 250 years! He'll be featuring all the jazzed-up patriotic songs you've forgotten about over the last c... Read more

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL - 2026 SPARK!

Photos: Ronell Johnson Memorial Second Line

Tue, 06/23/26

A memorial second line for Ronell Johnson was held yesterday, starting at Tuba Fats Square and ending at Preservation Hall. Photographer MJ Mastrogiovanni was on hand to capture these moments from the many who came out to celebrate his life. A Homegoing Service will be hel... Read more

A live performance of 12 songs from a new protest album

Sat, 06/20/26

Authored by:  Old Man River

The idea for this show came to mind as soon as I heard about this new album, A New Orleans Songwriter Protest Song Compilation, which was released last week. The record was produced by Paul Faith, who had the idea of having a bunch of local artists compose new protest songs... Read more

A Sacred Spark

Mon, 06/15/26

Authored by:  Neil Pellegrin

There are times when reality is harder to believe than fiction... and more inspirational.  If you were to hear a tale of a Dominican priest in Hammond, Louisiana who receives royalties for one of the biggest international hits of the early '60s, you might assume that tale w... Read more

Tipitina's "Free Friday" series for Summer 2026

Fri, 06/12/26

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

Tipitina's is back with their Free Fridays summer concert series! Doors are open to everyone 21+ at this weekly Friday event, happening May 22 through September 4. Doors are 8pm; show at 9pm. Here's the schedule: June 12: The Quickening w/Sam Price & the True Believers Ju... Read more

Photos: Creole Tomato Fest 2026

Wed, 06/10/26

A few photo higlights from the French Market's 40th annual Creole Tomato Fest this past weekend! Special thanks to photographer Demian Roberts. Read more

WWOZ honored with 7 nominations by Press Club of New Orleans for Excellence in Journalism

Wed, 06/03/26

We are proud to share that WWOZ has been honored with seven nominations across six categories by the Press Club of New Orleans for Excellence in Journalism! The nominations encompass media produced and published during the 2025 calendar year. Here are our nominations: Exc... Read more

Ol Man River and Homespun Americana goes to Rooster Walk 16

Thu, 05/14/26

Authored by:  Old Man River

I am very excited to share with you this week on Homespun Americana artists who will be performing next week at Rooster Walk 16. I will be attending the festival for my first time and I am so looking forward to the return for myself of music in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roo... Read more