Save the Date: WWOZ Groove Gala, September 6

On the evening of Thursday, September 6, Guardians of the Groove will unite to benefit WWOZ at the inaugural Groove Gala. This won't be your average gala; for one thing, we'll be wearing Jazz Fest attire! The Groove Gala will be held at the Tableau Restaurant and Le Petit Theatre, in the French Quarter. Gourmet food and drinks will be provided by Dickie Brennan Restaurants, and the music will feature performances by Irma Thomas, Amanda Shaw, Dr. Michael White Quartet, Treme Brass Band, Doreen Ketchens, Joe Krown, Michael O'Hara and more.

» More on the Groove Gala

Rolling 'OZ Style

Did you know that you can get special WWOZ license plates? The Louisiana OMV offers many special license plates in several different categories, including WWOZ. You can apply for special license plates in person; click through for more details.

» WWOZ License Plates

Troy Sawyer and Calvin Johnson at the Jazz & Heritage Center

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation proudly presents a double bill of two young New Orleans band leaders with their groups – Troy Sawyer & the Elementz and Calvin Johnson & Native Son – in concert on Saturday, June 9, at the Jazz & Heritage Center, with shows at 8p and 10:30p. Admission is free. No tickets or advance registration are required. There is no reserved seating. WWOZ will live video stream both sets; watch on Facebook Live or at the URL below.

» Troy Sawyer/Calvin Johnson show details

» Watch the live video stream

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, June 23-24

The 12th annual edition of the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival happens Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, 2018 in Armstrong Park. This is New Orleans' only festival that features exclusively Cajun and zydeco music. Admission is free. The Lost Bayou Ramblers, newly-crowned Grammy winners (and Cajun-Zydeco Fest regulars), headline the festival this year, along with Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers.

» More on Cajun-Zydeco Fest

32nd Annual Creole Tomato Festival

For 32 years, the Creole Tomato Festival has celebrated a unique Louisiana ingredient. Chefs love creole tomatoes for their versatility; everyone loves them for their taste. This year's Creole Tomato Festival happens Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 from 10a-6p in & around the French Market District. There's live music, cooking demonstrations, food booths, and a Bloody Mary market. Admission is free and open to the public.

» French Market Creole Tomato Fest

Show Host Spotlight: ​Brian McColgan

Brian McColgan moved to New Orleans from New York City in 1991 with a one-way train ticket, 60 CDs, a bike and half of a stereo. He knew a city with so much culture had to have a good community radio station, and, sure enough, he found WWOZ and became a listener, then a volunteer in 1992. His first regular show was called "Blues Dimensions" on Thursday nights; it lasted until Hurricane Katrina shut down the city in 2005. Brian currently hosts the Thursday night 10-12 Kitchen Sink show. We thank him for all his years of at the Jazz & Heritage Center service at WWOZ!

» WWOZ Program Schedule

Volunteer Spotlight: Jyra Phillips

WWOZ would like to thank Jyra Phillips and the Phillips family for supporting the station's efforts before and during Jazz Fest. Jyra is currently studying to become a nurse. ​She has served as a pledge drive phone bank operator and front desk volunteer at the station for two years, following a family tradition just like her uncles Collins Phillip III and Aristide Phillips. Jyra's twin brother Jabari and younger brother Wendell also worked at the Hospitality Tent during Jazz Fest. As you can see, it really is a family affair!

» WWOZ Volunteers

Tomato Recipes: Stuffed Creole Tomatoes & Creole Tomatoes au Gratin

June means it's creole tomato season in Louisiana. So what are you going to do with all those tomatoes you get from your garden or your neighbor, or at Creole Tomato Fest? Here's couple of recipes that fit the bill.

» Jorge Eats!