After a brief hiatus, Gasa Gasa, the popular music venue in Uptown New Orleans, located at 4920 Freret Street, has reopened. Gasa Gasa reopened this past Friday, March 7, after the Mardi Gras madness.
The space opened in July 2013 and immediately became a beloved venue for Uptown New Orleans’ independent artists and residents. The establishment has held hundreds of shows of varying genres, from indie rock to hip-hop and experimental music. The venue additionally housed film screenings, art shows and served as a functioning bar.
Gasa Gasa played a significant role in New Orleans, not just for its music scene but also for its contribution to the revitalization of the area after Hurricane Katrina, which lacked alternative live music venues and support. It truly was a venue welcome to anyone in the community.
However, amid financial struggles from COVID-19 shutdowns, Gasa Gasa was put on the market in July 2020, and eventually transferred ownership. Its new owners attempted to reopen under their leadership, but this was short-lived, as it closed once again in 2023. Although the events leading up to its closure in late 2023 are still unclear, there have been numerous rumors that it was because of internal staff protests or financial issues. Nonetheless, from 2023 to 2025, the venue’s glory seemed to dwindle and become forgotten by its patrons.
People from the local community speculated about the reopening of Gasa Gasa after its official Instagram account posted a video of a musicianpost the following day, announcing Caroline Rose playing at Gasa Gasa on April 15, 2025, with an added quip, “Yes, we’re back.” After this initial reopening post, their account started becoming more active, announcing other upcoming shows.
Its Grand Reopening show on March 7 was headlined by BOYFRIEND backed by members of the band The Revivalists and DJ Nice Rack. Succeeding Friday, the fun did not end there. On March 8, the venue hosted an 18+ “While We’re Young: A One Direction Dance Night,” most likely trying to cater towards the younger audience around Uptown, including Tulane University students.
Gasa Gasa is promoting further upcoming events for March and April on its social media and official website. Featured on the site are big names like Brian Sella, Where Y’acht and Slothrust. It is unknown who runs the venue now, but for the time being, longtime Gasa Gasa patrons can rest easy knowing they can return to their home, grab a drink and listen to some good music.
