Shamarr Allen at The Mint on 8/10/2019

Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Galatic, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few. He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world. In addition to displaying his skills on the front-line as a lead performer, Allen is also a music composer, writer, and producer. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience!

Cha Wa to perform at the Skirball Cultural Center on 8/8/2019

New Orleans’ Cha Wa brings their funk-laced beats, bass-heavy sousaphone, brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian vibe to the Skirball Cultural Center. Do yourself a favor and catch the Grammy-nominated Cha Wa on 8/8/19! Yeah, you right!

Trombone Shorty at FivePoint Amphitheater in Irvine - 7/25/2019

Trombone Shorty will deliver his supafunkrock — hard-edged funk, hip-hop beats, rock dynamics and improvisation in the great tradition of jazz — at the FivePoint Amphitheater in Irvine on 7/25. Don’t miss it!

By I, Infrogmation, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2522965

New Orleans music legend Art Neville has passed away at 81

Arthur Lanon “Art” Neville, singer, songwriter and keyboardist, founding member of The Meters, The Funky Meters, and part of one of New Orleans’ storied musical families, the Neville Brothers, passed away on July 22, 2019, at the age of 81. Born in New Orleans on December 17, 1937, the Grammy Award winning artist played on recordings by many notable artists from New Orleans and elsewhere, but is best known for New Orleans funk and rhythm and blues he played with the bands he cofounded. Rest in peace, Art Neville - we miss you already.

Photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/robbiesaurus/

George Porter, Jr., at The Mint on 7/24/2019

New Orleans’ own George Porter, Jr., and his Phunky Friends perform at The Mint on July 24th! Best known for his work in the Meters, the popular funk band and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners, George has performed and recorded with a Who’s Who list of artists from around the world, as well as performing regularly in several bands. Funkiify your life and catch George and his friends at The Mint!

Happy Birthday, Little Freddie King!

Delta Blues guitarist Little Freddie King, born Fread Eugene Martin, celebrates his 79th birthday on July 19th. Born in Mississippi in 1940, he moved to New Orleans at age 14. He performed in juke joints with legendary blues artists, and played with luminaries Bo Diddley and John Lee Hooker, as well as playing bass for Freddy King. Style comparisons between the two artists led to his use of the name “Little Freddie King”, though his playing sounds more like his cousin, Lightnin’ Hopkins, He is a three-time New Orleans “Blues Performer of the Year”, he is also a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Happy Birthday, Freddie!