NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Dew Drop Inn announced the Dew Drop Nights 2025 Jazz Fest late-night series. The location announced this year’s lineup brings together an incredible mix of world-class musicians, homegrown icons and national headliners for 11 nights of performances, celebrating the legacy and future of New Orleans music.
Dew Drop Nights runs from Monday, April 24, to Sunday, May 4, and features an all-star roster of artists and experiences, including PJ Morton, Questlove, Craig Robinson & The Nasty Delicious, Big Freedia’s Gospel Revival, Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball (of Tank & the Bangas), Teedra Moses, and Jelly Joseph. Leo Nocentelli (of the Meters) returns to the venue, having played at the Dew Drop in its heyday, with a special artist talk and Q&A in advance of his music performance. From classic funk and R&B to jazz and hip-hop, the series has something to look forward to for every type of music lover.
The Dew Drop Inn was the premier stage for local and traveling Black artists in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Ray Charles, Little Richard, Allen Toussaint, and countless others. Known for its dynamic jam sessions that blurred the lines between blues, R&B, and rock & roll, the venue was a hub for the evolution of Dave Bartholomew’s “Big Beat,” the signature sound that laid the foundation for early rock & roll.
The venue enters an exciting new chapter with its Dew Drop Nights series, with minority owners PJ Morton and Trombone Shorty taking a lead in shaping the historic landmark’s future. As Chief Creative Officer, PJ Morton remarked, “I’m so excited to help curate what I think will be a memorable series for years to come. The mission is to create unique experiences that can only happen at the Dew Drop!”
After selling out the venue in 2024, Big Freedia returns to the Dew Drop after-Fest series for a second year, this time with two shows, to give even more fans the chance to experience her signature high-energy performance. “Excited to bring this show to the historic Dew Drop Inn!” said Big Freedia. “Growing up in Central City, this was the place to be! So happy this venue is back, and it’s only fitting that I return with my new Gospel project for two Jazz Fest late night shows. This is the only place you can see this show over Jazz Fest so make sure you get your tickets!”
Dew Drop Nights continues the venue’s spirit of being shaped by musicians, for musicians. “From the start, the Dew Drop Inn was a musician-driven space with Frank Painia and Dave Bartholomew working hand in hand to shape its sound and legacy,” said venue owner Curtis Doucette, Jr. “That continues today as we partner with PJ Morton and Trombone Shorty to curate this incredible series.”
The Dew Drop Inn promises Dew Drop Nights series to be the most talked-about after-hours Jazz Fest experiences for first-time visitors to longtime locals alike.
Additional Dew Drop Nights performances and programming can be found below. Please visit dewdropinnnola.com for more information.
Ticket Info:
Thursday, April 24: Jelly Joseph
8 p.m. Doors | 10:30 p.m. Show | Tickets
Friday, April 25: DJ Questlove
8 p.m. Doors | 9 p.m. Show | Tickets
Saturday, April 26: Big Freedia’s Gospel Revival
8 p.m. Doors | 9 p.m. Show | Tickets
Sunday, April 27: Teedra Moses
7 p.m. Doors | 8 p.m. Show | Tickets
Monday, April 28: TBA
Tuesday, April 29: Leo Nocentelli of the Meters
7 p.m. Doors | 8 p.m. Artist Talk + Show | Tickets
Wednesday, April 30: Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball
7 p.m. Doors | 8:30 p.m. Show | Tickets
Thursday, May 1: PJ Morton
8 p.m. Doors | 9:30 p.m. Show | Tickets
Friday, May 2: TBA
Saturday, May 3: Big Freedia’s Gospel Revival
8 p.m. Doors | 9 p.m. Show | Tickets
Sunday, May 4: Craig Robinson & The Nasty Delicious
8 p.m. Doors | 8:30 p.m. Show | Tickets
The Groove Room and the Nite Cap suites, which overlook the mainstage, offering guests a private, elevated, front row view of the performances, are available to book nightly for groups, with bottle service and culinary offerings. Please contact krystal@dewdropinnnola.com to book.
Dewdropinnnola.com | @dewdropinnnola | 504-948-3002
2836 LaSalle St., New Orleans, La
