For eight days, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival brings hundreds of legendary musicians to the city. When the official festival programming ends at 7 p.m., the spirit of Jazz Fest spills out of the Fair Grounds Race Course and into the rest of the city, filling clubs and theaters with late-night sets and surprising collaborations between touring artists and New Orleans legends.
Here’s your guide to the late-night shows that will keep Jazz Fest alive after hours.
Thursday, April 23
Bayou by Bus: A Neville & Marley Joint – 10 p.m. at The Civic Theatre
New Orleans legends Ivan and Cyril Neville will headline a unique collaboration featuring Nikki Glaspie, Papa Mali, Mark Mullins and an unannounced special guest in a funk-reggae set exploring the music of Bob Marley.
Considering Jazz Fest celebrates Jamaica at their Cultural Exchange Pavilion this year, this set fits right into the festival’s broader celebration of Jamaican music and its lasting influence in the New Orleans funk scene.
Mt. Joy – 8 p.m. at Caesars Superdome
Los Angeles-based indie rock band Mt. Joy will make a stop in Champion Square as a part of their country-wide tour. While the band may be a departure from typical New Orleans jazz and funk music, but the jam band, with over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, is a worthy way to kick off your festival programming.
Friday, April 24
Big Freedia’s Shakedown – 7 p.m. at The Rabbit Hole
Big Freedia, dubbed the “Queen of Bounce,” is a New Orleans legend known for popularizing bounce music worldwide. Her reputation is not limited to New Orleans, as she has worked with artists such as Beyoncé and won the 2023 Grammy for best dance/electronic music album for her contributions to “Renaissance.”
Her shakedown is slated to be an all-night bounce dance party with multiple unannounced special guests.
Saturday, April 25
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen – 8 p.m. at The Broadside
While Jon Cleary is not a New Orleans native, his work is deeply rooted in the city’s funk tradition. Cleary also won the best regional roots music album Grammy in 2016.
He will be joined by John Boutte, known for singing the theme song for HBO Max’s “Treme,” and Charlie & The Tropicales, a staple Caribbean lounge band in New Orleans.
Together, the group promises a dynamic set that reflects the heart of New Orleans music.
Sunday, April 26
Take Me To The River All-Stars – 9 p.m. at The Joy Theater
This celebration of New Orleans and Memphis music will feature musical legends such as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas; the “Founding Father of New Orleans signature funky soul, rock-jazz sound,” Cyril Neville; “The Queen of Memphis Soul,” Carla Thomas.
These artists represent generations of soul, R&B and funk, blending the distinct sounds of each city into one memorable performance.
Monday, April 27
Shorty Fest – 7 p.m. at Tipitina’s
Shorty Fest, named after local legend Trombone Shorty, is an annual fundraiser for the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which helps students in New Orleans access instruments and musical instruction.
The event will feature a block party, Mardi Gras Indians, high school marching bands and food trucks. Tank & The Bangas, Big Freedia, Jelly Joseph, JoJo Hermann and Trombone Shorty Foundation students are also set to perform.
Tuesday, April 28
Grahame Lesh & Friends – 7:30 p.m. at The Joy Theater
The ideal show for a Grateful Dead fan, Grahame Lesh & Friends features artists who continue to uphold the Dead’s iconic legacy and beloved music.
Featuring Lesh, the son of Grateful Dead co-founder Phil Lesh, and Oteil Burbridge, bassist of Dead & Company and the Allman Brothers Band, alongside a cast of acclaimed musicians, the band keeps the Dead’s spirit alive through their improvisation and jam band style.
Wednesday, April 29
The Daze Between Band featuring other legendary musicians – 9 p.m. at Tipitina’s
This legend-packed performance features local and national artists, including George Porter Jr., a founding member of the funk band The Meters, Ivan Neville of the Neville family and Oteil Burbridge of Dead & Company and the Allman Brothers Band. This night brings together a lineup of musicians who rarely share the same stage.
Thursday, April 30
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe: A Celebration of Jimmy Cliff – 9 p.m. at the Fillmore New Orleans
Karl Denson, a member of the Rolling Stones and the founder of the band Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, will be joined by Bernard Fowler, who has also performed with the Rolling Stones and LA LOM, an instrumental trio blending Latin, surf and soul influences.
Together, they will perform in tribute to legendary reggae artist Jimmy Cliff.
Friday, May 1
James Brown Tribute with The New Orleans Soul Stars ft. Tony Hall – 10 p.m. at Maple Leaf Bar
The 17th annual James Brown Tribute returns this year, featuring Dumpstaphunk member Tony Hall alongside a stacked lineup of New Orleans funk musicians, who will deliver a high-energy celebration of the Godfather of Soul’s iconic sound. The performance highlights the lasting influence of James Brown on the New Orleans funk tradition.
Saturday, May 2
Dumpstaphunk + New Breed Brass Band – 9 p.m. at Tipitina’s
Dumpstaphunk is a funk collective that brings together some of the best musicians in New Orleans: Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, Tony Hall and Devan Trusclair.
New Breed Brass Band is a newer addition to the New Orleans music scene, but the group is already Grammy-nominated for their 2023 album “Made in New Orleans.”
Together, Dumpstaphunk and New Breed Brass Band represent both the legacy and the future of New Orleans funk, bringing together established talent and a newer generation of the city’s sound.
Sunday, May 3
Treme Brass Band – 6 p.m at The Spotted Cat Music Club
Treme Brass Band is one of the most historically significant brass bands in New Orleans, rooted in the Treme neighborhood, widely considered the birthplace of jazz. They are known for carrying on the traditional brass band sounds through parades, second lines and community celebrations.
Closing the festival with the Treme Brass Band is a fitting way to return to the music’s roots in New Orleans tradition and the neighborhood where it developed.