Happy Birthday, Branford Marsalis!

Branford Marsalis was born on August 26, 1960, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, to one of the premier musical families in the world. Branford is an saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque. He is the son of Dolores, a jazz singer and substitute teacher, and Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr., an acclaimed pianist and music professor. His brothers Jason Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Delfeayo Marsalis are also world famous jazz musicians.

Photo by: darlene susco - https://www.flickr.com/people/63102512@N06

Happy Birthday, Ivan Neville!

Ivan Neville was born in New Orleans on August 19, 1959, to one of the great musical families of the Big Easy. He is the son of Aaron Neville and nephew to members of The Neville Brothers, and has clearly inherited the family’s legendary musical talent. He is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter who has been performing in bands since 1977. Ivan has joined his father and uncles in The Neville Brothers, was a member of Bonnie Raitt’s band in the 1980’s, was a member of Keith Richards’ X-Pensive Winos tour, and has played with numerous musical luminaries including the Rolling Stones, Don Henley, Robbie Robertson, Delbert McClinton and Rufus. Neville and his cousin, Ian Neville (son of Art Neville) formed Dumpstaphunk in the early 2000s and play their own incomparable brand of funk and jazz. Neville is also a member of JazzFest phenom Dragon Smoke, along with Eric Lindell, Rob Mercurios and Stanton Moore. No matter who he is playing with, never miss an opportunity to see Ivan Neville perform! Happy Birthday to NOLA musical royalty!

Photo by Newber Machado

Offbeat Magazine's Weekly Stream - New Orleans Musicians & Venues Offering Online & Live Streams

Offbeat has created the “Weekly Stream” to allow New Orleans and Louisiana musicians to post live stream on OffBeat.com and on Offbeat’s social media. Click here and enjoy, and don’t forget to tip the musicians!

Happy Birthday, Jon Cleary!

Jon Cleary was born on August 11, 1962, in Cranbrook, Kent, England, but for at least the past 20 years he has been a student of New Orleans life and musical culture. Based in New Orleans, Cleary is an accomplished pianist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter. He has performed with numerous music luminaries including B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal and Eric Burdon. Be sure to catch Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen when they perform their brand of funk and R&B … you will be happy you did! Happy Birthday, John!

Photo by Masahiro Sumori

Seven Days of Satch! A Virtual Celebration of Louis Armstrong from July 27 to August 2!

Seven Days of Satch! is a virtual celebration of Louis Armstrong and Satchmo Summerfest's 20th Anniversary, taking place July 27 to August 2. Starting on July 27, enjoy thematic programming on WWOZ, and August 1-2, catch original performances by Satchmo SummerFest artists on Facebook Live!

Lineup includes James Andrews, John Boutté, Wendell Brunious, Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony, Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns, Herlin Riley, Treme Brass Band, and Tuba Skinny. Musical performances sponsored by the New Orleans National Jazz Historical Park will be filmed onsite at the New Orleans Jazz Museum and shared on Facebook Live Saturday, August 1 – Sunday, August 2.

Musician Treatment Foundation Benefit Concert on Saturday, July 18!

Preservation Hall Jazz Band is headlining the first-ever Musician Treatment Foundation Livestream Benefit Concert, a benefit concert to help #KeepTheMusicPlaying for everyone! This event also includes performances by Elvis Costello, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, The Accidentals and many other incredible musicians. The event will take place this Saturday, July 18, at 7 pm NOLA time and 5pm L.A. time, on mtfusa.org/events/livestream-benefit-2020.

The concert is a fundraiser to help provide healthcare for musicians who help make New Orleans the musical and cultural treasure it is. This is not a live event, but there are musicians, artists and guests who will be speaking throughout. And though tickets are free, you must register. So, kick back, put your heels up, pour your favorite beverage, and enjoy some of the best music in the land!