This week is the music edition of our top five weekend picks, because as you can see, it’s a stellar weekend for music in New Orleans. Not only is the weekend embraced by concerts and shows, but the selection is so diverse that everyone will be able to find something to jam out or get down to. One Eyed Jack’s hosts two rock bands on our list – one resident and one touring. Besides rock and roll, there’s hip hop, drum circles and 40s lounge music. Lend your ears to New Orleans this weekend!
Thursday, January 19:
1. Alabama Shakes – The Alabama Shakes from – you guessed it – Alabama are stopping by One Eyed Jack’s on their largely sold out tour across America and the U.K. The quartet’s sound is a refreshing blend of 60s soul layered with contemporary instrumentation, similar to the Black Keys. Opening for the Shakes is the searing local folk band Hurray for the Riff Raff and cohorts the Tumbleweeds. No need to feel guilty about going out on a school night – it’s an early show that starts at 8 p.m.! Tickets are $10.
Friday, January 20:
Photo by Chris Braun courtesy of g-eazy.com
2. G-Eazy – G-Eazy was once a renegade rapper from Oakland, CA climbing his way up the New Orleans hip hop ladder while hitting the books at Loyola University New Orleans. Since graduating, G-Eazy has become New Orleans’ newest music sensation, producing video after video and touring with Cash Money superstars Lil Wayne and Juvenile as well as Drake. On Friday night, he’ll lead the Blues Brothers Throwback at Republic. Suits and fedoras are encouraged and token Blues Brothers sunglasses will be distributed at the door. Well drinks will be offered for $3 until midnight and the Blues Brothers movie will be projected so the Soul Men will be there in spirit all night.
Saturday, January 21:
3. Rotary Downs – One of our top five favorite local rock bands, Rotary Downs joins forces with the rockin gospel powerhouse that is R. Scully’s Rough 7, a New Orleans misfit super group of sorts that shook up last year’s Jazz Fest. Rotary Downs continues to gain regional and national acclaim and are set to record their sixth album with Grammy award winner Ivan Klisanin from Lafayette, LA in March. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $12.
4. The Rat Pack Now – Traverse to the 1940s when crooners wearing smart suits sang into bullet microphones at the Stage Door Canteen for The Rat Pack Now tribute show. Enjoy favorites from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. while feasting on World War II era fare from John Besh’s American Sector. Tickets can be purchased online.
Sunday, January 22:
5. Mardi Gras Indians with Big Chief Smiley Ricks – See an exclusive viewing of the Mardi Gras Indians in action practicing for their iconic Fat Tuesday and Super Sunday appearances. Big Chief Smiley Ricks will lead the rehearsal at d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street at 10 p.m. This is a special opportunity to catch the elusive Indians in an intimate setting before they take the New Orleans streets by storm for Mardi Gras.
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