Robert Earl Keen, Ivan Neville and a Finnish-New Orleans jazz collaboration are among the options
BY KEITH SPERA | Staff writer
As New Orleans catches its collective breath after Mardi Gras, the upcoming week will be relatively quiet. Case in point: Tipitina’s is closed this weekend. But there is still live music to be found at the Maple Leaf Bar, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and elsewhere.
THURSDAY
Nordic Stew is a project of Finnish jazz saxophonist Timo Lassy and trumpeter Jukka Eskola that synthesizes the musical style of their homeland with the jazz of New Orleans. In 2022, they came to New Orleans for the first time and recorded an album called “Nordic Stew” with local musicians. They return to perform at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro with New Orleans drummer Herlin Riley, tuba player Matt Perrine, bassist Roland Guerin and pianist Seth Finch. Tickets are $30.
It's Zydeco Night at Rock ‘n’ Bowl with Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie ($15).
Keyboardist Joe Krown is featured for the weekly “Booker Sessions” at the Maple Leaf Bar at 6 p.m. ($10). Drummer Johnny Vidacovich takes over at the Leaf at 8 p.m. accompanied by saxophonist Tony Dagradi and bassist Grayson Brockamp ($15 advance, $20 at the door).
FRIDAY
The Palm Court Jazz Band, an ensemble of musicians who were regulars at the now-shuttered Palm Court Jazz Café on Decatur Street, reunite to play traditional jazz at Snug Harbor at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.
Keyboardist Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen funk up the Maple Leaf at 8 p.m. ($20 advance, $25 at the door). At 11 p.m., the GuitArmy invades the Maple Leaf with Mahmoud Chouki, Danny Abel, Chris Adkins, Josh Starkman and Raja Kassis on guitar, plus Lex Warshawsky on bass and Gerald Watkins on drums ($15 advance, $20 day of show).
SATURDAY
Chickie Wah Wah hosts a “Post Carnival Zydeco Evening” with Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots and Jeffery Broussard & The Nighttime Syndicate. Show time is 8 p.m.; tickets are $25.
Moroccan-born, New Orleans-based master guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Mahmoud “Mood” Chouki leads his New World Ensemble for two shows at Snug Harbor, starting at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.
Bassist Sam Price & the True Believers hit the Maple Leaf at 8 p.m. ($15 advance, $20 day of show). Then, at 11 p.m., the Maple Leaf has a separate show with trombonist Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet ($15 advance, $20 door).
At the Broadside, Buster Keaton’s silent film “Sherlock Jr.” is screened while synced up with R.E.M.’s “Monster” and “New Adventures in Hi Fi” albums. Tickets are $12.
New Orleans smooth jazz saxophonist Clarence Johnson III.
SUNDAY
Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen is still proving that, as his song attests, “The Road Goes On Forever.” Hear him at the House of Blues on Sunday. Tickets start at $49.50 plus fees.
Smooth jazz saxophonist Clarence Johnson III and his band showcase original material and covers at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor ($30).
Catch the Joe Krown Trio + 1 featuring guitarist Papa Mali at the Maple Leaf at 9 p.m. ($15 advance, $20 day of show).
MONDAY
Pop-punk band Five Eight was a contemporary R.E.M. on the Athens, Georgia music scene of the 1980s. For a variety of reasons, Five Eight never broke through like R.E.M. A new documentary, "Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight," explores the reasons why, including bandmembers' struggles with mental health and addiction. On Monday, the Howlin' Wolf hosts a screening of "Weirdo" and a performance by Five Eight, which has just released its first single in six years, "Take Me to the Skate Park." The evening starts at 7 p.m. with a set by the Pauses, followed by the screening and a Q&A session, then Five Eight's performance. Tickets are $20.
Also on Monday, singer and entertainer Charmaine Neville holds court at Snug Harbor at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. ($25).
Meters bassist George Porter Jr. funks up the Maple Leaf at 7 and 10 p.m. ($15 advance, $20 day of show).
TUESDAY
Ivan Neville & Friends — those friends include Tony Hall on bass, lan Neville on guitar and Deven Trusclair on drums — plug in at the Maple Leaf Bar at 9 p.m. for “The Shed Sessions” ($25 advance, $30 day of show).
Javier Olondo & Asheson showcase Latin music at Rock ‘n’ Bowl ($10).
Trumpeter Ashlin Parker’s Trumpet Mafia hits Snug Harbor at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. with its unique arrangements of jazz and hip-hop songs ($20).
WEDNESDAY
Keyboardist Jon Cleary continues his periodic solo residency at Chickie Wah Wah with an 8 p.m. show ($20).
Sweetie Pies of New Orleans play a free show at Snug Harbor at 5 p.m. Later at Snug Harbor, saxophonist Roderick Paulin leads the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. ($45).