After the last float rolls, the masses of Carnival revelers head out to find some great music to keep the party going. With everyone and his (or her) mother packing onto Bourbon and the French Quarter, it helps to know where to go for a kickin’ party without having to endure suffocating masses. Here’s our guide to some of the best shows happening around town after the big parades.
Dumpstaphunk: Keeps the party going after the Krewe of Freret
Dumpstaphunk + Brassft Punk
2/22 @ Publiq House
Ivan Neville’s funk powerhouse headlines the official after-party of the Krewe of Freret (which marches the Uptown route at 2:30 PM the same day) at one of the most exciting new venues in town. Boasting an impressive beer list, daquiri machines, and usually a food truck or two, Publiq House is the ideal after-parade spot. The fact that it’s not too far from Napoleon and St. Charles doesn’t hurt either. Get there early for some of the instant fun of Brassft Punk, a project that uses samples of NOLA’s finest brass players to recreate Daft Punk songs.
2/28 @ Tipitina’s
Over the past year, these young folk-rockers have been putting in some of the best sets of their careers and proving why they’re one of the hottest bands in town. The last time I caught them at Tip’s, the place had the feel of a classic college house party with an incredible band. If you haven’t seen them yet, snag a cheap ticket to this guaranteed good time. You won’t regret it.
Galactic’s Lundi Gras show is sold out, but you can still grab tickets to their Saturday performance.
3/1 & 3/3 @ Tipitina’s
Arguably THE New Orleans party band, Galactic has been holding down a now-legendary slot at Tipitina’s every Lundi Gras that doesn’t stop til the sun comes up. The Lundi Gras show is sold out (keep an eye on Craigslist or Stubhub for that one), but the band is also playing Endymion Saturday for what will be an equally thrilling show. The band’s current vocalist, Maggie Koerner, has brought a new style to the band’s undeniably funky sound, flooring audiences across the country over the past two months. Expect some special guests (such as David Shaw of The Revivalists), surprise covers, and get ready to shake it hard all night long.
3/1 @ One Eyed Jack’s
These guys only get together a few times a year, but when they do you know you’re going to wake up with a hangover. This is pure drinking music, with all the energy of a 4 AM barroom brawl. If you somehow find yourself trapped in the Quarter, you can always count on One Eyed Jack’s to transport you back in time to the golden days of Carnival.
Catch Rebirth’s show for old school New Orleans rhythm and blues.
Rebirth Brass Band + Mississippi Rail Company
3/2 @ The Prytania Bar
Rebirth headlines The Howlin Wolf on 2/28 and 3/1, but if you want to catch the most famous contemporary brass outfit up close and personal, check out their Bacchus night gig at The Prytania Bar. Mississippi Rail Company is also on the bill, continuing their run of high-energy shows that remind everyone that old school New Orleans rhythm and blues never really goes out of style.
Side note: The Prytania Bar, conveniently located a few blocks off St. Charles, offers a great lineup of NOLA’s best starting this weekend.
Soul Rebels Brass Band
2/27 & 3/1 @ Le Bon Temps Roule, 3/1 @ Gasa Gasa, 3/3 @ Blue Nile
One of my personal favorite brass bands has an extensive lineup of shows leading up to Mardi Gras Day. To see the Rebels in their true element, head out to Le Bon Temps and try not to get whacked in the head with a trombone. These guys have also been known to tear up the stage at Gasa Gasa, bouncing their frenzy of brass off the crazy good acoustics of that roo.
Stanton Moore, Eddie Roberts, Mike Dillon, and James Singleton
3/2 @ Snug Harbor
Sandwiched between two marathon gigs at Tip’s with Galactic, drummer Stanton Moore holds it down at Snug Harbor with some of his other musician pals. Guitarist Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds has quickly been adopted by his new hometown, and percussionist Mike Dillon is no stranger either, thanks to his frequent collaborations with Stanton and Jonny Vidacovich. Throw in the upright bass of James Singleton and you got a perfect mix of old and new school jazz.
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