Home of: Louis Armstrong, Jerry Lee Louis, Jelly Roll Morton, Wynton Marsalis, Britney Spears, Mute Math, Cowboy Mouth, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Master P, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Ellen DeGeneres,
Fun Facts: State flower; magnolia, state songs; “Give Me Louisiana” and “You Are My Sunshine,” state bird; eastern brown pelican
The Venues:
Three blocks from the Mississippi River in the French Quarter of New Orleans stands Preservation Hall. Originally built as a private residence in 175o, the Hall has served as a sanctuary for New Orleans Jazz since 1961. Jazz fans flock to Preservation Hall to hear both veteran New Orleans Jazz players and up-and-coming musicians.
The Howlin’ Wolf is more than just a club named after a famous bluesman. With locations in New Orleans and Mandeville, and past performances by Foo Fighters, Steve Winwood, Ozomatli, Arturo Sandoval, Harry Connick Jr., Allison Krauss and more, the venue also manages time for a non-profit division that has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity as well as a management arm that represents the renowned Rebirth Brass Band.
Music fans from all over will be heading to City Park in New Orleans this Halloween weekend for the 11th annual Voodoo Experience music festival. Voodoo is known for its diverse lineup, combining the best of national and local artists of all genres and this year’s line up is no exception: KISS, Jane’s Addiction, Ween, Lenny Kravitz, The Flaming Lips and Brand New will be sharing the stage with Silversun Pickups, Beausoleil, Lil Brian & The Zydeco Travelers, Parliament, New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars and Quintron and Miss Pussycat. Oh and Eminem will be making his only 2009 live appearance at this year’s Voodoo Experience.
The Music:
Jealous Monk – New Orleans’ Jealous Monk combine old school hip hop with New Orleans funk. MCs Intelligence and Jermaine Quiz rhyme over a live band featuring Dirty Dozen Brass Band founding member Kirk Joseph on sousaphone and a revolving door of the area’s best musicians. They’ve even funked up hip hop’s signature turntables, adding wah-wahs, delays and distortions. Get a taste of New Orleans with “Black Magic” from their album Sun Up to Moon Down. Check out Sam C.’s Q&A with Jealous Monk’s Jermaine Quiz here.
Julie Odell – In “Cast Us Your Wishes” from her 2008 release I Put My Treasures In My Pocket, Julie Odell’s sweet voice floats effortlessly over her whimsical piano arrangements. It is nearly impossible to believe that this track, as well as the rest of the album, were recorded while Julie was still in high school. Julie’s new project Giant Cloud will be showcasing at New York City’s Union Hall as part of the Park The Van CMJ Showcase.
Dirtfoot – Synthesis.net describes Shreveport’s Dirtfoot as a blend of Nick Cave, The Gourds, Old Crow Medicine Show and Mr. Bungle. The band calls their unique melange of musical styles “Gypsy Punk Country Grumble Boogie.” While all of their instruments are acoustic —guitar, banjo, upright bass, pots n’ pans, drums, bells, saxophone, xylophone and more—they have the energy level of the loudest plugged-in bands. “Footsteps” is full of complicated rhythms and unhinged, howl-at-the-moon vocals.
Check out these acts and other great Louisiana artists in the playlist below!
Who are your favorite OurStage Louisianans? Where do you like to see live music in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments!
While roller derby enjoyed waves of popularity in the past, including televised bouts in the 1970s, the release of Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut 
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Bombs Blast
