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: Edwin Harrison

Mon, 12/19/16

Edwin Harrison, Sr. passed away on October 13, 2016. He lived a remarkable life as a central figure in the Mardi Gras Indian and Social Aid & Pleasure Club communities and as a pioneering black taxicab driver. Harrison began masking in 1957 with the Creole Wild West and bec... Read more

Rhythm Room Playlist 12/16/16

5 things to know for 12/16-12/22

Fri, 12/16/16

Ho ho ho! Lots of spirited offerings coming up this week. 1) The Trombone Shorty Foundation is hosting their annual Tunes for Toys toy drive and concert at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart) on Sunday, December 18 at 7p. Wendell Brunious and ... Read more

New from Hot 8 'Working Together'

Wed, 12/14/16

Second line season is in full swing and New Orleans brass bands are in the streets! Check out the latest from Hot 8, featuring scenes from the parades, 'Working Together.' Read more

#TisTheSeason to make a year-end donation to 'OZ

Wed, 12/14/16

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

With the holidays just around the corner, we hope that you'll consider giving an additional gift to 'OZ. Your support allows us to continue preserving New Orleans music, history, culture and heritage for many years to come. #TisTheSeason to help us keep on guarding the groo... Read more

New music spotlight: Gravy

Tue, 12/13/16

Authored by:  Chris Saucier

Gravy has created their own original sound with their latest album Get Busy Living. A mixture of neo-soul, indie rock, and “a whole bunch of New Orleans funk” on top of it all comes through with Gravy. Get Busy Living is produced by founding member of Galactic, Robert Mercu... Read more

Video: Vasti Jackson 'Standing On The Corner'

Mon, 12/12/16

Mississippi bluesman Vasti Jackson was recently announced as a nominee for a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album for his latest release, The Soul of Jimmie Rodgers. We were happy to have Vasti back in our studio in October as he shared some tracks from this f... Read more

Rhythm Room Playlist 12/09/16

5 things to know for 12/9-12/15

Fri, 12/09/16

1) The Bywater is bustling with independent merchants this weekend. The 15th Annual New Orleans Book Fair is going down in Clouet Gardens on Saturday, December 10. Independent authors, publishers, zinesters and other literary riff-raff ply their trades and hawk their wares,... Read more

New video from Hurray for the Riff Raff

Thu, 12/08/16

A new video from the New Orleans-based Hurray for the Riff Raff has been released in anticipation of their upcoming album, The Navigator, due out March 10, 2017 on ATO Records. In a quote to Pitchfork, Hurray for the Riff Raff's creative force, Alynda Lee Segarra, shared, ... Read more