When it comes to live music, New Orleans, Louisiana, is in a league of its own. Universally recognized as the birthplace of jazz, the city pulses with musical energy every night, from intimate jazz clubs to massive festival stages. Whether it’s Dixieland, traditional jazz, or NOLA’s signature brass band sound, the city has nurtured generations of legendary musicians while constantly evolving its vibrant music scene.

Tonight on What is Hip?! Radio Show, JamFest listeners can dive deep into New Orleans-style music all night long, experiencing the city’s iconic live sound directly through your speakers. On JamFest, every track is a live performance, capturing the raw energy, improvisation, and soulful spontaneity that make New Orleans music unforgettable.

A City Alive with Music

New Orleans isn’t just a city—it’s a living, breathing music hub. Across the French Quarter, the Marigny, and beyond, live performances happen nightly in bars, clubs, and theaters. From jazz legends to up-and-coming artists, the city’s venues create a constant soundtrack of energy, rhythm, and tradition.

Frenchmen Street

Still considered the epicenter of live music in New Orleans, Frenchmen Street is home to numerous clubs featuring jazz, blues, and funk, all performed live. Venues like The Spotted Cat Music Club showcase acts like the James Martin Band, delivering intimate performances that highlight the city’s musical heritage.

Iconic Venues

• The Jazz Playhouse: Regular shows from talents like Richard “Piano” Scott and The Nayo Jones Experience keep jazz alive in a stylish, modern setting.
• Mahogany Jazz Hall: Features acts such as the Mahogany Hall Jazz Band and The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, celebrating New Orleans’ classic sounds.
• Maple Leaf Bar: Legendary venue hosting staples like George Porter Jr., offering some of the best funk-infused live sets in town.
• Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: Renowned for top local jazz talent, including members of the Marsalis family.
• Abita New Orleans: Every Thursday evening, the brewery and restaurant hosts a lively Jazz Series, blending local flavors with musical tradition.
• The Howlin’ Wolf: A long-standing venue featuring dynamic concerts, including performances by the Hot 8 Brass Band.

Major Festivals and Events – Late 2025 and 2026

New Orleans thrives on big festival energy, bringing together locals and tourists for world-class live music experiences. Highlights include:

• BlackAmericana Fest 2025 (Sept 26–27): Celebrates Black artists in Americana and folk, with a focus on New Orleans and Mississippi Delta talent.
• NOLA MusiCon 2025 (Oct 28–30): A three-day music industry conference offering panels, workshops, and live sessions with industry leaders.
• NOLA Zydeco Fest 2025 (Nov 1): Showcases the accordion-driven Zydeco sound, a quintessential Louisiana experience.
• French Quarter Fest 2026 (Apr 16): A massive free festival featuring over 20 stages of local genres, from traditional jazz to brass bands.
• New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2026 (Apr 23–26): Four days of iconic Jazz Fest performances with local and national acts.
• Essence Music Festival 2026 (Jul 2): Celebrates Black culture and music, with tickets and hotel packages already available.

Featured Performances – Late 2025

The city’s live calendar is packed with must-see acts this fall:

• Soul Sister’s 19th Annual Birthday Jam (Sept 20): The Nth Power, Eric Gales, and Ivan Neville light up Tipitina’s.
• Hozier (Sept 23): Performing at the Smoothie King Center.
• Vampire Weekend (Sept 24): Performing at the historic Saenger Theatre.
• George Porter Jr. Trio (Sept 29): The legendary bassist takes the stage for a late show at Maple Leaf Bar.
• Big Sam’s Funky Nation (Oct 9): High-energy live performance at The Jazz Playhouse.
• Big Pearl & The Fugitives Of Funk (Oct 24): Groove-heavy show at the Toulouse Theatre.

Each of these shows reflects the live music ethos that JamFest celebrates—raw, energetic, and unfiltered.

Big Band, Brass, and Jazz – The New Orleans Sound

New Orleans’ musical identity is rooted in early Dixieland jazz, but the city’s live performances span a wide range of genres today. From swinging brass bands on Bourbon Street to soulful jazz combos in the French Quarter, the city blends tradition with innovation. The live sets broadcast on JamFest allow listeners to experience the full spectrum of this NOLA magic, capturing every improvisational solo, audience cheer, and horn riff.

Whether you’re dancing along in your living room or just soaking in the city’s energy, JamFest’s live shows bring the heartbeat of New Orleans music directly to you, night after night.

Tune in Tonight

Don’t miss tonight’s What is Hip?! Radio Show, featuring an exclusive all-night showcase of New Orleans-style music. From traditional jazz and brass bands to funk and vocal jazz, every track is a live recording, preserving the spontaneous energy of the city’s legendary music scene.

Experience New Orleans like never before—from Frenchmen Street to Jazz Fest stages, every note played is live, every moment unforgettable.

Tonight’s feature on JamFest is “What is Hip?!”, airing Sundays around noon. This show is a deep dive into New Orleans-style music, delivering the vibrant rhythms and soulful sounds of the Crescent City straight to your ears. Listeners can expect timeless classics from legendary icons such as Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Alan Toussaint, Galactic, and The Radiators. The show doesn’t just replay hits—it celebrates the cultural heartbeat of New Orleans, exploring the history, improvisation, and energy that make the city a musical landmark. For anyone wanting to experience the essence of Mardi Gras in their living room, “What is Hip?!” is a must-listen.

For music lovers, festival fans, and live performance enthusiasts, JamFest is more than just an internet radio station—it’s a full-blown celebration of the festival experience, brought directly to your ears. Broadcasting exclusively on TuneIn, JamFest delivers a curated mix of live performances, genre explorations, and tributes to the global festival scene, all designed to make listeners feel like they’re front and center at the world’s greatest music events.

A Weekly Schedule That Brings Festivals Home

JamFest’s programming is as diverse as the festivals it celebrates, featuring shows that span multiple genres, eras, and performance styles. Whether you’re a devoted New Orleans music fan, a bluegrass enthusiast, or an EDM dancefloor regular, there’s a show for you.

• What is Hip?! – Sundays around noon, this show dives into the rich tapestry of New Orleans-style music. Expect legendary artists like Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Alan Toussaint, Galactic, and The Radiators to bring the Crescent City’s vibrant rhythms right to your home.
• Project Reggaeologist – On Sundays, explore reggae’s past, present, and future. From icons like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, and Aswad to rising global talent, this show also celebrates major festival performances from events like Reggae SumFest and Reggae Sunsplash.
• NewGrass Radio – Mondays are for bluegrass lovers. JamFest showcases live performances and new releases from acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, alongside NPR’s “All Things Considered Live” concerts, illustrating the evolving sound of modern bluegrass.
• Live Nuggets – Tuesday nights transport listeners into historic live concert archives. From Grateful Dead classics to legendary Phish and Jane’s Addiction performances, every episode is a journey through iconic live music moments.
• NRN (New Releases Now) Radio Show – Wednesdays feature a full-length classic live album alongside the latest music from emerging artists. It’s the perfect mix for those who want both nostalgia and fresh sounds in one sitting.
• Festival Night – Thursdays celebrate the festival experience directly. JamFest streams live festival performances from around the world, creating an authentic festival vibe no matter where you are.
• Club Night – Fridays are for the night owls. From 10 PM to 2 AM EST, JamFest brings the pulse of EDM and remix culture from the world’s top festival stages right into your living room.
• Live Phish Dance Party – Saturday evenings at 7 PM, get ready to groove with the Live Phish Dance Party, a fan-favorite event that captures the spirit of one of the most dedicated festival fan communities.
• Sunday Spunday & Gospel Music – JamFest extends the weekend into Sunday morning with live sets and New Orleans Gospel music from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM EST, ensuring the weekend winds down with soulful, uplifting vibes.

Bringing the Festival Experience to You

JamFest’s core mission is simple but powerful: to replicate the festival atmosphere for listeners at home. Every show is designed to introduce new artists, highlight live performances, and create a communal listening experience that mirrors the excitement of being on-site at a major festival.

Whether you’re discovering the next big reggae sensation, diving deep into bluegrass innovations, or reliving a historic live concert, JamFest ensures your playlist is never ordinary. By blending emerging talent with iconic legends, the station creates a continuous celebration of music’s diverse and evolving landscape.

Tune In and Join the Celebration

Streaming exclusively on TuneIn, JamFest is the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about festival culture. From live sets to genre-specific deep dives, the station offers a 24/7 gateway to the energy, excitement, and joy of festivals worldwide. If you crave music that transcends playlists and delivers an experience, JamFest is your front-row ticket—no matter where you are.