Death Cab for Cutie and My Brightest Diamond at the Orpheum Tuesday

Tuesday night we are in for a special treat with two outstanding and complimentary bands playing together at The Orpheum.  The evening begins with Shara Nova’s My Brightest Diamond Project.  Nova’s 2018 record – A Million and One – was one of the great records of last year.  She has a compelling on baroque pop that seems to perpetually morph around the ear of the listener.  Her operatic training is on full display here, perpetually surprising and delighting the listener.  Additionally, she is a truly compelling live performer – check out her live rendition of “To Pluto’s Moon” below.

 

After MBD, Death Cab for Cutie will play a headlining set.  It’s hard to say anything about Death Cab that has not been said before.  They were one of the leaders of the late nineties and early oughts indie pop movement and have continued to generate amazing songs – last year’s “Thank You for Today” is no exception.  I feel like the longevity and presence of this band have led us take Ben Gibbard and company a bit for granted.  Each time I see them, I am reminded of the unique nature of their sound and the profound excellence of their stage performance.  If it’s been a while since you’ve seen Death Cab, I assure you they are definitely still as amazing as you remember.  If you’re new to them, don’t miss this opportunity.  Both Death Cab and MBD are acts that spend considerable time carefully crafting their sound and the Orpheum is definitely the place to hear both.

 

Going On This Week

Tonight Galantis is at The Metropolitan and electro funk masters STS9 visit The Fillmore while locals The Quickening play Gasa Gasa.  Saturday, STS9 returns to the Fillmore while Mikeala Davis drops in at One Eyed Jacks.  Also on Saturday, you can also catch Rubblebucket at One Eyed Jacks.  Don’t forget that Saturday is Crawfest at Tulane University.  This year the event features the outstanding Ra Ra Riot, along with The Stone Foxes and Welles.  Crawfest features all the crawfish you can eat in addition to the great music.  Sunday, electronic producer SoDown plays an intimate gig at the Hi-Ho Lounge while The Happy Fits and Deal Casino play Gasa Gasa.  There are a couple of huge shows Tuesday with My Brightest Diamond opening for Death Cab for Cutie at the Orpheum and the legendary Willie Nelson playing The Fillmore.  On Thursday French Quarter Fest begins in earnest with performances throughout the afternoon featuring the Panorama Jazz Band, Kermit Ruffins, The Tin Men,  Cha Wa, Galactic, Jon Cleary, Rebirth Brass Band and more (I’ll be back next week with a full slate of recommendations for the rest of French Quarter Fest).

 

To Listen