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Jazz Fest & French Quarter Fest Application Deadlines Approaching

Tue, 09/02/14

Authored by:  Carrie Hadler

Applications for the 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage and French Quarter Festivals are open and deadlines are fast approaching for both. The application deadline for next year's Jazz Fest (held April 24-May 3, 2015) is October 1, 2014.  The application deadline for French Q... Read more

Ledisi, "Pieces of Me"

Tue, 09/02/14

Authored by:  David Stafford

Check out contemporary R&B/soul/jazz singer Ledisi stopping traffic in the French Quarter during Essence Fest as she sings "Pieces of Me" on a balcony at St. Peter and Royal. Ledisi (the name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in Yoruba) was born in the New Orleans ar... Read more

Big Freedia Honored By City Council

Sun, 08/31/14

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

YOU ALREADY KNOW! We’re late to this party, but would feel remiss in not mentioning it—one of New Orleans’ most visible artists and biggest bounce ambassador, Big Freedia, was honored by City Council with her own “Big Freedia Day” last week, on August 21. The Queen Diva has... Read more

Bob Marley Live in Germany, 1980

Fri, 08/29/14

Authored by:  David Stafford

For your holiday weekend veiwing pleasure: a 20-song, 1-hour-and-38- minute Bob Marley show in HD. The show was recorded at Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, West Germany on June 13, 1980, shortly after the release of the Uprising album and just a year before Marley's death in June... Read more

Christian Scott, "Spy Boy"

Thu, 08/28/14

Authored by:  David Stafford

Christian Scott, NOCCA grad and nephew of Donald Harrison, performs "Spy Boy" with the Christian Scott Quintet, November 17, 2011 at the Berklee College of Music. A version of the track appears on his 2012 album Christian Scott: Christian aTunde Adjuah. He reflects on the s... Read more

Guardians of the Groove 8: Stanton Moore and Murf Reeves

Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, "Calinda"

Tue, 08/26/14

Authored by:  David Stafford

It's been over three decades since St. Martinsville native Nathan Williams embarked on a musical career with the Zydeco Cha Chas. It's been quite a ride, with performances at the Grand Ole Opry and Lincoln Center, a Big Easy award as Best Zydeco Band, and the Zydeco Music A... Read more

Jazmine Sullivan, "Stupid Girls"

Mon, 08/25/14

Authored by:  David Stafford

Last month, during Essence Fest, NPR Music arranged to meet contemporary R&B star Jazmine Sullivan at the Clear-Vue barbershop, on South Rampart near Canal, for a "field recording" session. Interrupting a conversation about college football, Sullivan quickly won over the al... Read more

Ray Charles, Live in Madrid, 1975

Fri, 08/22/14

Authored by:  David Stafford

For your weekend viewing pleasure: a vintage 1975 Madrid show by Ray Charles and the Ray Charles Orchestra. The show begins with an extended instrumental set by the Orchestra, with the genius himself taking the stage at about the 30-minute mark. The Orchestra is excellent, ... Read more

The Avett Brothers, "Souls Like the Wheels"

Fri, 08/22/14

Authored by:  David Stafford

Indie-roots-bluegrass folkies the Avett Brothers perform "Souls Like the Wheels" live in the attic of their headquarters in Concord, North Carolina last December. The song first appeared on their 2008 EP The Second Gleam; a live version appears on their most recent album, M... Read more