This time of year always presents some distinctly local ways of celebrating the holidays, as well as some old favorites. This year we have a great program of Christmas celebrations before we head into the hedonism of New Year’s Eve. Things kick off on the 14th when the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra offers their Holiday Spectacular at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. For this performance the LPO will be joined by the 610 Stompers and a whole host of special guests. On the 18th you can catch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in all of their weird Christmas glory at the Smoothie King Arena.
If you are looking for something a bit more traditional, the LPO returns on the 19th (at the Orpheum) and 20th (at the First Baptist Church of Covington) with a performance including J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah. On the 20th and 21st, Anders Osborne returns to Tipitina’s with his two night Holiday Spectacular. On Friday he’ll have G. Love, John Mooney and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux joining him. Saturday he’ll be joined by Steve Earle, Helen Gillet and Leyla McCalla with Alvin Youngblood Hart.
As usual, things really pick up as we get closer to New Year’s Eve. This year, Galactic will host their New Year’s Eve party at Tipitina’s with Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph. The event has a VIP option that includes an open bar and catering from Jacques-Imo’s. If you are heading downtown, the Revivalists will be at The Fillmore with Durand Jones & the Indications.
The Hyatt continues their “Big Night New Orleans” tradition with the entire hotel given over to the festivities. This sprawling party has multiple experiences but no matter what ticket you buy, drinks and entertainment are included. This year, the party features Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Flow Tribe, Petey Pablo and Bag of Donuts, as well as performances from Bustout Burlesque.
If you are looking for something a bit lower key, but still fantastic, checkout DJ Soul Sister’s 17th Annual New Year’s Eve Soul Train at The Civic Theater. This is a really fun event featuring the classic Soul Train graphics and amazing music. If the city’s fireworks are a priority for you, both the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen have New Year’s Eve events that offer an up-close and personal view of the fireworks extravaganza. Both parties provide food and live entertainment, as well as a festive environment.
BB’s Stage Door Canteen is getting in on the action with a party lead by the Victory Swing Orchestra. This event includes a four-course dinner and midnight chocolate buffet, as well as all the dancing you can handle. Finally, The Maison will have all three floors open with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band holding court downstairs and a premium open bar. There are so many choices in how to bid adieu to 2019 that no matter what your speed or interest there is a party out there for you. I’ll see you out there as we ring in another great year of music.
Must-See Music
DECEMBER 5
Son Little rock Gasa Gasa.
DECEMBER 6
Flow Tribe jams at Tipitina’s.
DECEMBER 7
Get Up Kids rock One Eyed Jacks.
DECEMBER 11
Daughters rock One Eyed Jacks.
DECEMBER 13
Acoustic Syndicate rocks the Maple Leaf Bar.
DECEMBER 13
Cher believes at the Smoothie King Center.
DECEMBER 14
Nghtmre moves the Joy.
DECEMBER 17
Snoop Dog smokes the Fillmore.
DECEMBER 18
Trans-Siberian Orchestra celebrates at the Smoothie King Center.
DECEMBER 20
Pile rocks Gasa Gasa.
DECEMBER 31
The Revivalists jam at the Fillmore.
