Our Top Picks

Festing
This year’s Jazz Fest, held April 22-May 1, features a lineup of crowd-pleasing headliners including: Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young and Paul Simon. Other highlights include yacht rock favorite Steely Dan, soul singer Van Morrison and heartthrob Nick Jonas. As usual, Jazz Fest features excellent R&B acts new and old. Dystopian soul singer Janelle Monae, a Jazz Fest vet, always puts on a big show; neo-soul legend Maxwell is touring again; and Jazmine Sullivan is a captivating songwriter and singer. Also watch for Elle King, whose raspy “Exs and Ohs” is the pop-rock earworm of the moment; My Morning Jacket, an ideal festival band; and last year’s Album of the Year Grammy Award-winner Beck. Local legends round out the lineup of the two-weekend festival. Information, NOJazzFest.com


French Quarter Fun

Our Top Picks
Cheryl Gerber Photograph

Get warmed up for Jazz Fest at the locals’ version, the sprawling, free (if you don’t count the tempting food booths) French Quarter Fest, April 7-10. The lineup features Cowboy Mouth, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Sweet Crude and Tank and the Bangas. Extra events include a second-line and an Allen Toussaint tribute at House of Blues. Information, FQFI.org


Tosca
Our Top Picks

A “fan favorite” among opera lovers, Tosca wasn’t always loved by critics, who took issue with Puccini’s grungy, intense work. Characterized by melodrama and a fiery diva of a protagonist, the opera follows Floria Tosca, a volatile, jealous woman. The opera is presented April 8 and 10 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Information, NewOrleansOpera.org


April 2. Freret Street Fest. Information, FreretStreetFestival.com
April 6, 13, 20, 24 and May 4. Wednesday at the Square concert series, Lafayette Square Park. Information, WednesdayAtTheSquare.com
April 5-10. Cabaret, Saenger Theater. Information, SaengerNOLA.com
April 6. M83 and Yacht in concert, Civic Theater. Information, CivicNOLA.com
April 8-10. Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, Ponchatoula. Information, LAStrawberryFestival.com
April 9. Run for the Shadows: An Evening of Bowie, One Eyed Jacks. Information, OneEyedJacks.net
April 18. Comedian David Cross, Orpheum Theater. Information, OrpheumNOLA.com
April 18. Ben Folds in concert, Joy Theater. Information, TheJoyTheater.com
April 24. Duran Duran in concert, Smoothie King Center. Information, SmoothieKingCenter.com
April 25. WWOZ Piano Night, House of Blues. Information, WWOZ.org
April 25-May 1. Zurich Classic, TPC Louisiana. Information, ZurichGolfClassic.com
 


 

 

Digital Sponsors

Become a MyNewOrleans.com sponsor ...

Sign up for our FREE

New Orleans Magazine email newsletter

Get the the best in New Orleans dining, shopping, events and more delivered to your inbox.