NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The renowned BK House & Gardens is keeping festivities going as it has begun its 2025 Rhythm & Roses Concert Series. This musical series of five weekly concerts held in the picturesque Parterre Garden at the BK House is made possible by benefactor James Douglas Hislop. This year’s lineup blends a roster of genres from jazz and funk to folk, Cajun and cinematic string arrangements.
Rhythm & Roses series lineup is:
March 27-gates open at 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m.
Cha Wa – Grammy-nominated New Orleans funk band that blends traditional Mardi Gras Indian music with modern funk and second-line rhythms. The band’s name, “Cha Wa,” comes from a traditional Mardi Gras Indian shout, along with the phrase “jock-a-mo-fee-nah-nay,” known from the song “Iko Iko.”
- April 3 – gates open at 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m.
Yusa – Cuban-born, now New Orleanian singer and songwriter known for her unique blend of funk, jazz, rap, and soul. Yusa began composing music at age six and continues her career as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, lyricist, arranger and composer.
- April 17 – gates open at 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m.
Amanda Shaw – A fiddle player since childhood, Shaw grew up in New Orleans and was immersed in fais do-dos, jazz, blues, funk, and rock ‘n’ roll. By 15, she had a record deal with Rounder Records and has since appeared on platforms like Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is the recipient of prestigious honors, including the Big Easy Award for Best Female Entertainer, and is a Louisiana Music Hall of Famer.
- April 24 – gates open at 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m.
Amina Scott – Is an exceptionally talented bassist and composer. Growing up in a musically inclined family, with both her parents being music enthusiasts, she was exposed to a diverse range of musical genres, which greatly influenced her artistic development.
In 2019, she received her Master’s degree from Florida State University under the tutelage of Rodney Jordan. She was also part of the 2017 Ravinia Jazz Program cohort under the direction of Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, and Nathan Davis.
- May 1 – gates open at 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m.
Kristin Diable & Radio Bird String Quartet – Diable’s music is known for its rootsy, heartfelt songwriting, while the Radio Bird String Quartet, composed of members from the Grammy award-winning LA Philharmonic Orchestra, adds a rich, orchestral dimension to her songs. This collaboration creates a unique blend of folk, rock, and cinematic string arrangements.
Although there won’t be a Rhythm & Roses concert on April 10, free French Quarter Festival fun will extend to the BK House Parterre Garden on Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, from 11:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit FQFI.org for programming details.
Ticket Information:
All concerts will be held in the Parterre Garden at the BK House, 1113 Chartres St. The entrance will be on Ursulines between Chartres and Royal Streets.
Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members and are available online. More information can be found at www.bkhouse.org. Concert-goers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance due to the anticipated popularity of the event and the size of the historic setting.
Food and beverages will be sold on-site. Because beverage sales support ongoing maintenance of the garden, outside beverages will not be permitted.
Limited seating will be provided; however, attendees may bring small chairs provided space allows.
