James Martin cut his tenor sax chops with Trombone Shorty’s Orleans Avenue band, and has progressed with a fine career as sought-after sideman, songwriter, vocalist, and leader of his own band. He’s toured the world with stops at all the major festivals, and collaborated wi... Read more

Grammy-winning singer Irma Thomas had her first hit in 1959, and over the course of a six-decade career has earned the title, “Soul Queen of New Orleans.” Born in 1941 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Thomas was raised in New Orleans, singing in school and in church choirs, wher... Read more

Derrick “Smoker” Freeman is a man with many hats: drummer, songwriter, and leader of the soul-funk Soul Brass Band, the hip-hop Smokers World, the power trio MFG, and the Band of Freeman. He performs with a kaleidoscopic cast of New Orleans musicians ranging from Angelika “... Read more

Guitarist Dave Ferrato is a New Orleans native who has been on the scene since the 1960s, and has played with classic OG artists ranging from Ernie K-Doe and Benny Spellman to Johnny Adams and Pete Fountain. He cut his teeth on Bourbon Street, with legends like Chris Owens ... Read more

Gospel singer and pianist/organist Craig Adams electrifies audiences with his energetic stage presence and powerful performances. The dapper, dedicated artist is also a sought-after musical director and choir master. He shares a 2022 Grammy win for his performance with Jona... Read more

Tank & the Bangas put the best of New Orleans’ contemporary creativity on the world map with their happy, collaborative, and unique sound, which blends elements of soul, rock, hip-hop, and funk with skillful musicianship and fresh songwriting. Tarriona “Tank” Ball met other... Read more

Keiko Komaki trained as a classical pianist as a child in Japan, but moved to New Orleans to follow her passion for funk and jazz. She cut her chops under the tutelage of blues maven Big Marva Wright and band leader Benny Turner, and has since played with a Who’s Who of New... Read more