Since returning home to the Orpheum, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has been on a roll. After taking their first tour earlier last year to play the works of Philip Glass in Carnegie Hall for the celebration of Glass’ 80th birthday, they have settled into an excellent routine of exciting guests, original compositions and old favorites. This month, they are offering two outstanding events. First on the 10th, 11th (in Covington) and 12th, the LPO is joined by BBC Young Musician of the Year—cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason who was featured on “Britain’s Got Talent” before winning the Young Musician contest. Late last year he played at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. He will be joining the LPO for a program featuring Edward Elgar, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and “Water Sings Fire”—an original piece by Andrea Reinkemeyer that was commissioned by the LPO and the League of American Orchestras. Just a week later on the 17th the LPO will be visited by Canadian violinist Nikki Chooi who recently served as Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York. Chooi will be part of a program featuring Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 and Mahler’s 9th Symphony.
Of course, one of the highlights of January is the Link Stryjewski Foundation’s Bal Masqué, which this year will be on the 19th, with a patron dinner the night before. For its fourth year, the masquerade ball and fundraiser returns to the Sugar Mill after its successful transition to the larger space last year. This year, the event will once again feature RAM, the drum-roots-driven powerhouse band from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. RAM will be joined by local favorites The Vermilionaires, Cha Wa, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, and The Roots of Music. As usual, the lineup for this is fantastic. RAM is an experience in and of itself and Cha Wa are making some of the best local music right now. In addition to the great music, food will be provided by a bevy of celebrity chefs from here and beyond. Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski will be joined by Andrew Carmellinii (Locanda Verde), Neal Bodenheimer (Cure), Nina Compton (Compere Lapin), John Currence (City Grocery), Suzanne Goin (Lucques) and many, many more. This is a great evening which supports the education and development New Orleans children.
Finally, a reminder that every January, The Radiators come home to Tipitina’s for three nights. As always, this is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and revisit this quintessential New Orleans band. This year the shows will be the 17th, 18th and 19th.
Playlist of mentioned bands available at: http://bit.ly/InTune1-19
Must-See Music
Jan. 13
Stonefield rocks with King Tuff at One Eyed Jacks.
Jan. 15
Justin Timberlake pops into the Smoothie King Center.
Jan. 17-19
The Radiators jam at Tips.
Jan. 17
Gregory Alan Isakov plays indie folk at The Civic.
Jan. 19
The Steeldrivers bring the bluegrass to the Joy.
Jan. 19
Amen Dunes experiment at One Eyed Jacks.
Jan. 20
Perpetual Groove jam at Tips.
Jan. 22
Carla Cooke brings the classics to Carver.
Jan. 23
Parker Gispert solos at Gasa Gasa.
Jan. 25
Lake Street Drive and Mikaela Davis rock at the Civic.
Jan. 28-29
Tedeschi Trucks Band jams at the Saenger.
Dates are subject to change; email Mike@MyNewOrleans.com or contact him through Twitter @Minima.
