Premier Performances to Tickle Your Fancy

March 07, 2022
Spring has sprung—so have spectacular shows of all sorts. Whether you’re ready to laugh out loud or jam out, to take in classic or modern acts, there’s something to suit every live performance palate. From Broadway and ballet, to comedy, country, and crooners, we’ve got your ticket to the hottest shows in town!

Champions Square – champions-square.com

Apr. 8: Bon Iver
The GRAMMY® award-winning American indie-folk band performs live with special guest Dijon in this state-of-the-art outdoor venue.

House of Blues – houseofblues.com/neworleans

Mar. 13: The English Beat
One of the key bands of the U.K. ska revival, the iconic British band fuses Latin, ska, pop, soul, reggae and punk-rock to create its unique, energetic sound.

Mar. 26: Stephen Marley – Babylon by Bus Tour
The eight-time GRAMMY® winner and son of Bob Marley brings his acclaimed reggae sound to New Orleans for one show.

Apr. 17: Eric Bellinger x Sammie – Vibes on Vibes Tour
GRAMMY® winning R&B artist/singer-songwriter/music producer Eric Bellinger and singer-songwriter Sammie join forces for a sublime R&B and hip-hop show.

May 6–7: The New Mastersounds
For more than two decades, the British jazz fusion and blues/funk band has been wowing audiences with its fun mix of vintage funk and soulful jazz.

Le Petit Theatre – lepetittheatre.com

Mar. 4–20: The House That Will Not Stand
Sensuous, witty, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the 2019 Obie Award-winning play unearths a story about free women of color in 1836 New Orleans, where black Creole women entered into common-law marriages with rich white men. It is a humorous and gripping family drama told in a rich and lyrical river of words.

Apr. 8–24: Tribes
Nina Raine’s Tribes took New York theatre by storm, where it won the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play. In this searing comedy, we meet Billy who was born deaf into a hearing family, which is fiercely idiosyncratic and politically incorrect. It’s not until he meets Sylvia, a young woman on the brink of deafness, that he finally understands what it means to be understood.

May 13–29: A Night with Janis Joplin
Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, the legendary Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock ‘n’ roll. Written and directed by Randy Johnson, this musical journey celebrates Janis and her biggest musical influences including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith.

Mahalia Jackson Theater – saengernola.com

Mar. 12: New Orleans Ballet Association presents Ballet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico marks their 50th anniversary with the debut performance of Doña Perón: The Rise and Fall of a Diva, a new, full-length ballet celebrating Eva “Evita” Perón.

Apr. 1 & 3: Puccini’s La boheme
Puccini’s most famous opera returns to the New Orleans Opera stage after an eight-year hiatus. Premiered in 1896, this opera has become one of the most beloved operatic titles of all time.

Apr. 16: Vivica A. Fox – Funny By Nature Comedy Tour
Vivica A. Fox and Kelly Kellz Entertainment team up to bring The World A National Comedy Tour with the natural talents of four naturally funny women from four parts of the country: Kelly Kellz (Milwaukee, WI), Just Nesh (Chicago, IL), Ashima Franklin (Mobile, AL), and Crystal Powell (Tatum, TX).

May 14: New Orleans Ballet Association presents Don Quixote
American Ballet Theatre returns to New Orleans for the first time in nearly half a century bringing its masterpiece Don Quixote, accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Saenger Theatre – saengernola.com

Mar. 6: Johnny Mathis – The Voice of Romance Tour
Celebrating 66 years as a recording artist, legendary singer Johnny Mathis is one of the most enduring vocalists in music history. Gary Mule Deer, who’s comedy and music have set him apart as one-of-a-kind performer, is special guest.

Mar. 12: Chicago Live in Concert
From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic vocalists, and a few dozen ever-classic songs, this world-renowned band’s concerts are true celebrations. The beloved GRAMMY® award- and American Music Award-winning band celebrates 54 consecutive years of touring.

Mar. 13: Willie Nelson & Family
Outlaw country legend Willie Nelson is on the road again and will be riding into New Orleans for an evening filled with iconic country standards as only he can deliver. The singer, songwriter, guitar-slinger and GRAMMY® award winner has collaborated with numerous musicians throughout his illustrious career.

Mar. 19: Bob Dylan
The one and only Bob Dylan is back on tour this spring, so you can catch the living legend in concert. His Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, a four-year trek around the world, gives fans the chance to catch the reluctant voice of his generation perform a mix of iconic hits, deep cuts, and unusual covers.

Apr. 1: Darius Rucker Live
Multiple GRAMMY® award winner Darius Rucker first attained multi-platinum status in the music industry as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish. Since re-introducing himself to the world as a country artist, he has released four consecutive albums to top the Billboard Country Albums chart and won numerous music awards.

Apr. 5–10: Anastasia – The New Broadway Musical
This dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Apr. 21: Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles
Bringing the best of Abbey Road performed live, Rain gives audiences the experience of seeing Beatles' songs performed live that were never done so by the band itself. The multimedia production uses high-definition backdrops that feature psychedelic effects, vintage television commercials, and video footage of Rain cast members recreating iconic Beatle moments.

Apr. 30: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
One of New Orleans’ most respected and beloved musical talents, Trombone Shorty is best known as a trombone and trumpet player, but also plays drums, organ, and tuba. He began playing trombone at age four, and has worked with some of the biggest names in rock, pop, jazz, funk and hip-hop.

May 8: L.O.L. Surprise! Live – Calling All B.B.’s
This spectacular show will feature fan favorites and best sellers Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Neonlicious, and Swag in the first-ever family spectacular with original music, dancers, a DJ, and never-before seen live holograms. Using groundbreaking hologram technology, the beloved characters will sing, dance and come to life while being able to interact with live audiences.

May 17-22: Mean Girls
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. MEAN GIRLS features a book by nine-time Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by two-time Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin.

Smoothie King Center – smoothiekingcenter.com

Mar. 4: Maxwell
The soul singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist brings his smooth groove and sultry ballads to town.

Apr. 8: Jeff Dunham – Seriously?
Ventriloquist/stand-up comedian Jeff Dunham is bringing his delightfully irreverent cohorts—Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J. and Achmed the Dead Terrorist—for a night of unbridled hilarity.

Apr. 9: Eric Church – The Gather Again Tour
The country music rocker, who has released nine studio albums since 2005, brings his passionate lyrics and high-energy hits to New Orleans.

Apr. 15: Journey with Special Guest Toto
One of the most prominent and acclaimed bands of all time, Journey will excite audiences with their catalog of global, chart-topping hits including “Don’t Stop Believin”, “Any Way You Want It”, “Faithfully” and more during their Freedom Tour, featuring special guest Toto.

Apr. 22: No Limit Reunion Tour
New Orleans native and iconic rapper Master P returns home with his “Soldiers” for his highly anticipated No Limit Reunion Tour concert. The show features Master P, Silkk The Shocker, Mystikal, Mia X, Fiend, Mr. Serv-On, Choppa Style and special guests, Ying Yang Twins.

Apr. 23: Gabriel Iglesias
The stand-up comedian and actor rolls into New Orleans as part of his new 2022 Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias Back On Tour to excite and delight audiences.

May 18: New Kids On The Block Mixtape Tour
Multi-platinum selling pop super-group New Kids On The Block continues the party like nobody can with their friends Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue as legendary special guests.

The Fillmore – fillmorenola.com

Mar. 25: KALEO – Fight or Flight Tour
In three short years, Icelandic rock band KALEO—lead by frontman/songwriter JJ Julius Son—has scored a trifecta of global hits including GRAMMY® nominated “No Good”. With blues and folk serving as the stylistic backbone, expect a true rock ‘n’ roll experience filled with energy and intensity.

Mar. 26: Daughtry – The Dearly Beloved Tour
American rock band Daughtry came together in 2006, following Chris Daughtry’s appearance as one of the finalists on American Idol. Today, the band is noted for its energetic and powerful yet heartfelt music.

Mar. 30: 311 – Spring Tour 2022
One of the longest running original lineups in rock music, 311 have played over 2,000 shows across 27 countries over their 30-year career. The group mixes rock, rap, reggae and funk creating their own unique hybrid sound and has developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining and dynamic live bands in the U.S.

May 5: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe presents A Diesel Insane – The Music of David Bowie
Singer and saxophonist Karl Denson fronts the Tiny Universe as if he’s preaching the gospel. His energy and spirit are contagious while his songwriting serves a larger message of fellowship across generations, genders, religions and cultures.

Apr. 21: One Night with Nikki Glaser
Nikki Glaser is one of the funniest female voices in comedy today. For more than a decade, Glaser has been honing her shockingly honest, no-holds-barred style of comedy. Nikki has multiple stand-up specials and late-night TV appearances in which she jokes about her most humiliating moments as a woman in the modern world.

May 6: Allman Betts & Tab Benoit & Samantha Fish
Acclaimed Southern rock ‘n’ rollers, The Allman Betts Band features three sons of The Allman Brothers Band founders and is quickly making a name for themselves. This high-energy show also features Tab Benoit, GRAMMY®-nominated and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, and singer-guitarist-songwriter Samantha Fish, who has established herself in the contemporary blues world as a powerful live performer.

The Orpheum Theater – orpheumnola.com

Mar. 10: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra – Prieto Conducts Shostakovich
The LPO celebrates the 80th birthday of Hailstork with his work honoring MLK in Epitaph for a Man Who Dreamed, while Shostakovich 5 reflects upon an artist using his medium to strike blows against the oppressor.

Mar. 24: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra - Stravinsky’s The Firebird
Enjoy a musical tapestry that will reflect the heroes, dreamers and trailblazers of New Orleans music with Jay Weigel’s Water’s Gravity and Stravinsky’s The Firebird.

Apr. 7: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra – From The New World
This Orpheum Session, conducted by Roger Kalia, features music by Montgomery, Milhaud and Dvořák.

Apr. 9: Whitney Cummings – Touch Me Tour
Hailed as “the reigning Queen of American stand-up,” Whitney Cummings is one of the preeminent comedic voices currently working as a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer and director.

Apr. 21: Heroes, Dreamers, & Trailblazers – James Baldwin
The LPO performs works by Joel Thompson inspired by James Baldwin’s “Notes of a Native Son,” a collection of essays tackling issues of race in America and Europe.

Apr. 24: Beth Hart – The Thankful Tour
The Grammy-nominated powerhouse vocalist brings her soulful blues and jazz-fusion sound to New Orleans for one night only.

May 6: Preservation Hall – 60th Anniversary Celebration
To mark its 60th Anniversary and celebrate the triumphant resilience of New Orleans music, Preservation Hall will produce a star-studded event featuring four generations of Preservation Hall musical masters.

May 4: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale
Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra makes every member of the orchestra a soloist in this tour de force!

May 12: Chelsea Handler – Vaccinated and Horny Tour
The comedian, television host, best-selling author and advocate, whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture, brings her stand-up set to 40+ cities across the nation.