The Stage Is Set!

March 03, 2023
Now that Mardi Gras has rolled by and Mother Nature is ushering in warmer days and nights, the performing arts scene is heating up, as well! From acclaimed musical legends and beloved Broadway performances to casual, outdoor concerts featuring local favorites, it’s time to head out and take in all that the Big Easy has to offer. Bravo!
City Park – neworleanscitypark.org
April 25: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Swing In The Oaks
Bring chairs, blankets and the whole family out to relax on the Great Lawn at City Park for this free musical experience. The LPO hosts its annual Swing in the Oaks concert conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto and featuring special guests throughout the evening.

House of Blues – houseofblues.com/neworleans

March 4: Stephen Marley plus Mike Love
The son of Bob Marley and eight-time GRAMMY® Award winner (three times as a solo artist, twice as a producer and a further three times as a member of Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers) headlines with opening American reggae musician, Mike Love.

March 18: Tye Tribbett
Often heralded as the “Elvis of Gospel”, multiple GRAMMY® Award winner, 11-time Billboard chart-topper, and Soul Train Music Award-winning icon Tye Tribbett brings his charisma and energy to the stage.

March 21: Vanessa Carlton – Future Pain Tour
The American singer/songwriter/pianist, who soared to the top of the Billboard charts and garnered multiple GRAMMY® nominations with her debut single A Thousand Miles, hits the tour road for the first time in five years.

March 24: The Zombies – Life is a Merry-Go-Round Tour
For five decades the iconic British psychedelic pop band and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, The Zombies have excited fans with their sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs.

March 30: G. Love & Special Sauce
Known for their unique, laid back sound that encompasses blues, hip hop, alternative, rock and soul, the American band brings their original sound to New Orleans.

April 18: Theo Katzman
The American multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter/producer showcases his unique musical style, a fusion of pop, jazz, funk and indie rock.

April 29: The Wailers
Legendary ska and reggae group, The Wailers, comfortably claim their place in essential music history. One World, the album that marks the Wailers’ return to the recording studios and the band’s first album in 25 years, was nominated for a 2021 GRAMMY® Award for Best Reggae Album.

May 5: Better Than Ezra
In the mid 1990s, the New Orleans alternative rock trio with its hummable melodies, unshakable guitar riffs, and confessional lyrics, became a force in rock music. As of 2018, they occupy rarified air with spots on Billboard’s “100 Greatest Alternative Songs of All Time” and “100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time”.

May 6: Better Than Ezra and Friends
One of the most beloved New Orleans bands of all time, BTE shares the stage with renowned musical surprise guests during this “must see” show.

New Orleans Jazz Museum – nolajazzmuseum.org
March 10: Friends of the Cabildo Concert Series presents Sonny Landreth
Southwest Louisiana-based guitarist, songwriter, and singer Sonny Landreth is a musician's musician. His unorthodox guitar style comes from the manner in which he simultaneously plays slide and makes fingering movements on the fretboard. Landreth apprenticed with zydeco king Clifton Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band and a host of other accomplished artists.

April 21: Friends of the Cabildo Concert Series presents The Iguanas
A fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades, THE Iguanas' music is an infectious mix of tejano and conjunto sounds from the Texas/Mexico border region, as best exemplified by the accordion and bajo sexto, the American South's blues, jazz and New Orleans R&B, and the fiery passion of the music of the Caribbean and Mexico.

Mahalia Jackson Theater - mahaliajacksontheater.com
March 5: The Man In Black – A Tribute to Johnny Cash
With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voice, and spot-on mannerisms, Shawn Barker’s uncanny resemblance to the original “Man In Black” revitalizes the true character and spirit of Mr. Cash himself. The energetic show features Barker in character walking the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music.

March 11: MOMIX in Alice presented by New Orleans Ballet Association
Travel down the rabbit hole MOMIX-style with Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, ALICE, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Full of imagery and absurd logic, the ALICE story lets the imagination run and play with the fusion of dancing, lighting, music, costumes and projected imagery. Audiences will be taken on a journey that is magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric and much more.

March 24-26: The New Orleans Opera presents Puccini’s Madame Butterfly
If you think you’ve seen all Madame Butterfly has to offer, think again. “This production invites challenge… so that one beautiful day the magical stories we tell won’t shield us from the truth, but will empower us to rise up and meet the world before us.” – Aria Umezawa, Stage Director

April 1: Druski – Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Tour
Acclaimed comedian/actor/entrepreneur, Druski will be embarking on his first-ever headlining comedy tour that features a combination of traditional comedic stand-up, as well as a live element with segments that rose to prominence on Instagram Live. Druski facetiously offers aspiring performers an opportunity to showcase their skills online in front of millions. Now, as part of the tour, these prospective entertainers will have the chance to perform for a live audience for the first time.

April 15: Eddie B.
Eddie B. soared to new heights by creating his own opportunity starting with his series of comical videos titled What Teachers Really Want to Say. Educators across the globe are getting a lesson in the funniest ways to express their worst frustrations and they are loving every second of Eddie B.’s uncensored and hysterically portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life, from the point of view of an actual teacher!

March 11: State Ballet of Georgia presented by New Orleans Ballet Association
Making its New Orleans debut, the acclaimed national company of the former Soviet Republic tours internationally, yet is not often seen in the United States. Based in the Opera and Ballet State Theatre in the capital city of Tbilisi, this stunning company of “versatile and accomplished” dancers will be accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. This rare evening features two of Georgian-American choreographer George Balanchine’s greatest masterpieces, Serenade and Concerto Barocco.

Le Petit Theatre – lepetittheatre.com
March 9-26: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
The 1955 Pulitzer-Prize winner for Drama, Tennessee Williams’ iconic classic, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, follows the familial struggles of the Pollitts in their patriarch’s Mississippi Delta plantation home. Maggie, a young ambitious in-law, is determined to solidify her role in the family, but her husband Brick is preoccupied with past longing.

April 20- May 7: How I Learned What I Learned
Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, How I Learned What I Learned is Wilson’s poetic one-man autobiographical show journeying through love, adversity, and self-discovery in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. Originally performed by Wilson himself, How I Learned What I Learned is a stunning self-portrait of one of the strongest voices in the American theatre.

May 18-June 4: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows the mathematically gifted, 15-year-old Christopher as he uncovers the mysterious murder of his neighbor’s dog. Amid his investigation, he discovers hard truths about his family while navigating social norms and communication with others. This seven-time Olivier Award winning play is a thrilling adventure!

Saenger Theatre – saengernola.com
March 17: Patti LaBelle
Known as the “Godmother of Soul”, Patti LaBelle has a legendary career that has spanned seven decades in both music and as an actress. The iconic performer has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and has been inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame.

April 5-16: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and—above all—love.

April 28: Lettuce and Tower of Power with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Celebrating their 55th anniversary, funk pioneers Tower of Power join forces with today’s funk torchbearers Lettuce, during a two-set, one-night-only show in New Orleans. Performing along side of the funk masters is New Orleans’ own Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

April 29: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Treme Threauxdown 7
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue return to the Saenger Theatre for another post-Jazz Fest jam session with special guests Dumpstaphunk and other surprise special guests. A New Orleans-style threauxdown like no other!

May 2: SEAL
Four-time GRAMMY® winner Seal is coming to New Orleans with special guest The Buggles. In celebration of the 30thanniversary of the classic albums Seal I and Seal II, the soulful R&B singer will perform his greatest hits live in concert during his World Tour 2023.

May 11: Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy
Joe Gatto, a well-known comedian/actor/producer, is best known for the hit TV shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index. He is one of the founding members of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe, which has toured with a live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world

May 12-13: Trevor Noah - Off The Record Tour
Trevor Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa and the popular host of the Emmy® Award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central. Trevor, who has written, produced, and starred in 12 comedy specials, has served as the GRAMMY® Awards host in 2021 and 2022. His success has also spanned to sold outstand-up comedy shows over five continents.

May 20: Leanne Morgan – Just Getting Started
At midlife Leanne is truly just getting started and hopes that she can inspire others to feel the same. It’s never too late to start something that you love! The comedian’s unique brand of comedy is grounded in her relatability and her no holds barred descriptions of motherhood all delivered with sweet Southern charm.

May 21: RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles
Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance that’s as infectious as it is transporting. Get back to where you once belonged with all of the Beatle’s greatest hits. This adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!

May 24: It’s Time
For the first time in history, we see the leading ladies of worship, Christian, and gospel music come together for a must-see worship experience. Bringing to the stage some of the biggest songs of the decade such as Oceans, Promises, Break Every Chain, and King of the World, GRAMMY® winning artists Naomi Raine and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, nine-time GRAMMY® nominee Natalie Grant, and globally renowned vocalist TAYA kick off the 24-city tour in New Orleans.

May 30-June 4: Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird
All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. Rolling Stone gives it 5 stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas will play the role of Atticus Finch in the national tour.

Smoothie King Center – smoothiekingcenter.com
March 10: Straight Jokes! No Chaser Comedy Tour
A night of laughs featuring standup comedy greats Cedric The Entertainer, Earthquake, D.L. Hughley and DC Young Fly during their 23-city tour.

March 31: New Edition – The Legacy Tour with Keith Sweat, Guy and special guest Tank
One of the leaders in the “boy band” movement, New Edition reached its height of popularity in the 1980s with R&B, hip hop and pop hits including Candy Girl, Count Me Out, Cool It Now and Boys To Men.

May 20: Zach Bryan – The Burn, Burn, Burn Tour
Proud of his small-town roots, the singer/songwriter from Oklahoma crafts music that is fueled by a desire to stay true to himself. His success is found in his raspy voice, a mix of classic folk melody and outlaw country with a raw edge that cuts to the bone.

The Fillmore – fillmorenola.com
March 10: An Evening with Third Eye Blind
The alternative rock band burst onto the scene in the 1990s with hits like Semi-Charmed Life, Jumper and How’s It Going To Be.

March 25: Matteo Lane – The Al Dente Tour
Named one of Variety's Top Ten Comics to Watch, the New York-based comedian, whose stand-up special can be seen on Netflix's The Comedy Line Up, has performed to sold-out crowds all over the world.

April 7: Stavros Halkias – The Fat Rascal Tour
The stand-up comedian and popular podcast host has appeared on Comedy Central, and the MSG Network, where he wrote and performed on the Emmy nominated, People Talking Sports and Other Stuff.

April 14: Tyler Childers – Send in the Hounds Tour with Wayne Graham
The Kentucky-born singer/songwriter brings his musical sound - a mix of country, bluegrass and folk – to The Fillmore.

April 16: Lewis Black – Off The Rails
Known as the “King of Rant,” LEWIS BLACK uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated finger pointing to skewer anything and anyone that gets under his skin. His comedic brilliance lies in his ability to make people laugh at the absurdities of life.

April 21: HARDY – the mockingbird & THE CROW Tour
One of the new faces of country music, HARDY is the reigning AMC Songwriter of the Year, the 2022 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year, and was nominated for New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Musical Event of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards.

April 28: The Revivalists
Since forming in New Orleans in 2007, the rock-driven jam band quietly grinded towards international ubiquity one gig, song and album at a time. Named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of "10 Bands You Need to Know" in 2015, their song Wish I Knew You reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart in 2016.

April 29: Nolafunk presents North Mississippi Allstars, Tab Benoit and Samantha Fish
After 25 years, 12 albums, four GRAMMY® award nominations, and sold out shows everywhere, the blues and Southern rock band, North Mississippi Allstars, is still going strong. They perform with acclaimed blues-rock favorites renowned guitarist/singer Tab Benoit, and award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Samantha Fish.

May 4-6: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
The American rock band, which formed in 2013 and mainly covers the music of the Grateful Dead, will perform in NOLA for three nights.

May 11: Tenacious D – The Spicy Meatball Tour
The American satirical rock duo, formed by musicians and actors Kyle Gass and Jack Black, strives to make people laugh while also churning out memorable and catchy rock songs.

The Orpheum Theater – orpheumnola.com
March 10: Orchestra Noir – Y2K Meets 90s Vibe
Orchestra Noir celebrates the cultural achievements of African-American music pioneers across all genres of music including classical, jazz, blues, hip-hop and R&B. Orchestra Noir has witnessed a meteoric rise to be one of the most talked about orchestras in the nation, as it continues to successfully bring orchestral music to a diverse audience in grand and spectacular fashion.

March 16: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra – Scheherazade
Rei Hotoda, music director of the Fresno Philharmonic, whisks us around the globe with the exotic Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov. Works by Chinese-American and Polish composers, The Rhyme of Taigu and Concerto for String Orchestra, respectively, make their LPO debut.

March 20: Sabrina Carpenter – Emails I Can’t Send Tour
Actress/recording artist/songwriter, Sabrina Carpenter emerged in 2014 as the star of the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World. She then embarked on a successful musical career issuing three albums including No. 1 hits on the US Dance Club Song charts.

March 21: Joann Shaw Taylor
Discovered at the age of 16 by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, the playing style of the British blues-rock guitarist/singer/songwriter has been influenced by classic soul and the modern electric blues of Jimi Hendrix, Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

March 24: Karlous Miller – At The End Of The Day…
Known for his perfect comedic timing and hilarious punch lines, actor and comedian Karlous Miller is made his mark as a cast member of the MTV2 comedy Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out.

March 30: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra – Sibelius No. 2
Sibelius’s second symphony has been heralded as one of his best. Assistant conductor of the Memphis Symphony, Kalena Bovell, is a conductor of international acclaim. She opens with Nielsen’s Helios Overture and Britten’s Peter Grimes: Four Sea Interludes.

April 13: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Big Freedia
What happens when the Queen of Bounce links up with her hometown orchestra for a concert? You already know! Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity when Big Freedia joins the LPO to celebrate 20 years of redefining how they view music.

April 20: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Beethoven’s 7
Music director Carlos Miguel Prieto leads the LPO in this celebration of the genius of Beethoven. His Egmont incidental music is some of the most powerful and original music Beethoven ever wrote. And, his seventh symphony will leave you with an unrivaled feeling of joy.

May 13-14: New Orleans Ballet Theater present Romeo & Juliet
Louisiana’s premier ballet company presents Romeo & Juliet, based on William Shakespeare's play, which is one of the most choreographed ballets of the last 60 years.