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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One Love Brass Band 'Boomer' at Congo Square Rhythms Fest

Thu, 03/09/17

Congo Square Rhythms Festival, presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, returns to Armstrong Park March 18-19, 2017. This is the 10th annual presentation of this deeply meaningful and vibrant (and free!) festival that celebrates the many traditions that trac... Read more

2017 Congo Square Rhythms Festival

Wed, 03/08/17

Congo Square Rhythms Festival, presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, returns to Armstrong Park March 18-19, 2017. This is the 10th annual presentation of this deeply meaningful and vibrant (and free!) festival that celebrates the many traditions that trac... Read more

New music spotlight: Smoking Time Jazz Club

Tue, 03/07/17

Authored by:  Chris Saucier

Traditional jazz band, Smoking Time Jazz Club, are back with something to get you off your seat and stomping your feet with their newest album Ain’t We Fortunate! Released on February 8, Ain’t We Fortunate serves as another example of Smoking Time’s commitment to “revive an... Read more

Here & Now At Celtic Bayou Fest 2017

Sun, 03/05/17

Authored by:  Sharon Armstrong

  New Orleans might be changing beat from the purple, gold, and green of Mardi Gras to forty shades of green for St. Patrick’s Day, but on Friday March 10, 2017, and Saturday March 11, 2017, the celebrations of all things Irish will kick off in Acadiana as the city of Lafa... Read more

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