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: Arnold "Sweets" DePass, Jr.

Sat, 03/04/17

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

Arnold "Sweets" DePass passed away on February 20, 2017 at the age of 87. Born July 28, 1929, DePass was a member of the legendary Dooky Chase Orchestra in the mid-1940s where he honed his skills as a celebrated jazz musician and stage performer - earning the name “Sweets” ... Read more

In Memoriam: Charlie Sims

Sat, 03/04/17

Charles L. "Mr. Charlie" Sims, former chef-owner of Donna's Bar & Grill, passed away Sunday, February 5 at the age of 81. Mr. Sims was born April 13, 1935, in Rome, Georgia, and grew up in Chicago. He was in the U.S. Navy for 13 years, serving on the U.S.S. Skate, the first... Read more

Rhythm Room 03 03 16

5 things to know for 3/3-3/9

Fri, 03/03/17

1) Mardi Gras is over (check out the photo highlights) and we're quickly heading towards festival season! YLC's Wednesday at the Square announced their lineup last week. Irma Thomas will open this free weekly concert series at Lafayette Square on March 15. French Quarter Fe... Read more

Tank & the Bangas win NPR's Tiny Desk Contest

Thu, 03/02/17

The career trajectory of New Orleans' Tank & the Bangas keeps on rising! On Mardi Gras morning, NPR announced that the group beat out over 6,000 other entries to win this year's Tiny Desk Contest, a competition whose past winners have included Gaelynn Lea, Fantastic Negrito... Read more

2017 Wednesday at the Square schedule

Thu, 03/02/17

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

The 18th annual Wednesday at the Square in Lafayette Square lineup is out! This regular springtime concert series features local artists and food and drink vendors. This year, due to high demand, an additional Tuesday date has been added for the week between Jazz Fest weeke... Read more

Video: CTC Steppers Second Line Parade

Thu, 03/02/17

The C.T.C. Steppers hit the streets for their annual second line parade on February 12, 2017 and WWOZ was on hand to capture the scene. Check out these highlights from the club and Da Truth Brass Band as they make their way down St. Claude Avenue.  Read more

Jazz Fest Community Outreach Tickets: app due Monday

Thu, 03/02/17

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation supports community involvement in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival by distributing thousands of free tickets to the world–famous festival of local music and culture. As it has for many years, the Foundation’s Community Outr... Read more

Mardi Gras song profile: 'Street Parade'

Mon, 02/27/17

In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them. This episode delves into Earl King and The Meters' intimitable hit 'Street Parade,' a song with an interesting history and musicianship behind it. "Every time you listen to 'Street Parade... Read more

Mardi Gras song profile: 'Do Watcha Wanna'

Sun, 02/26/17

In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them. This episode delves into Rebirth Brass Band's most popular tune, 'Do Watcha Wanna,' with backstories from founding members Kermit Ruffins and Phil Frazier.  "All the neighborhood cats us... Read more