Daze Between New Orleans 2025, held on Tuesday, April 29, and Wednesday, April 30, at the historic Mahalia Jackson Theater in Louis Armstrong Park, marked a significant chapter in the festival’s history. This year’s event, presented by Live For Live Music, GMP Live, Purple Hat Productions, and Dayglo Presents, showcased a blend of musical innovation and tribute, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans.
Day One: A Fusion of Genres and Generations
The festival commenced on Tuesday with a dynamic lineup that bridged genres and generations. Lespecial, known for their prog-tronic sound, set the tone with a high-energy performance, featuring a special guest appearance by saxophonist Skerik. Following them, the veteran jam band moe. took the stage, joined by the Dumpstaphunk Horns—Alex Wasily, Ashlin Parker, and Brad Walker—for a set that blended funk and rock seamlessly.
The evening reached its zenith with Umphrey’s McGee, who delivered two sets that captivated the audience. The first, an original composition, featured saxophonist Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band) and trumpeter/vocalist Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band). The second set was a tribute to Led Zeppelin, with drummer Jason Bonham, son of the legendary John Bonham, joining the band to honor the iconic rock group .
Day Two: Honoring Legends and Celebrating Legacy
Wednesday’s performances honored the musical legends of New Orleans and beyond. The Headhunters, featuring guitarist Eric Krasno and percussionist Weedie Braimah, opened the day with a fusion of jazz and funk that set the stage for the subsequent acts.
The celebration continued with GEOLEO, a collaboration between George Porter Jr. and Leo Nocentelli of The Meters, joined by Ivan Neville and Stanton Moore. Their performance paid homage to the foundational sounds of New Orleans funk, delighting longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The festival culminated with The Allman Betts Band’s New Orleans Family Revival. This special performance featured Devon Allman and Duane Betts, sons of Allman Brothers Band members, alongside local luminaries George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno, and Sierra Green, as well as The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Horns. The set was a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Allman Brothers Band and the vibrant musical community of New Orleans .
Late-Night Jam at Tipitina’s
Following the main performances, the music continued at Tipitina’s, where members of Umphrey’s McGee and moe. came together for the Daze Between Band. The ensemble, featuring Eric Krasno, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Tony Hall, Nicki Bluhm, Jennifer Hartswick, Skerik, Alex Wasily, and Raymond Weber, delivered an unforgettable late-night set that encapsulated the spirit of collaboration and musical exploration that defined the festival .
Daze Between New Orleans 2025 was more than a festival; it was a celebration of music, community, and the enduring spirit of New Orleans. Through collaborations, tributes, and performances that spanned genres and generations, the event underscored the city’s status as a cultural epicenter and reaffirmed the power of music to unite and inspire.
🎷 What is Hip?! Radio Show: A Tribute to New Orleans
Tonight’s episode of What is Hip?! on JamFest is a special tribute to New Orleans. The show will explore the rich musical heritage of the city, focusing on its early roots, particularly Dixieland, and its evolution into the vibrant music scene we celebrate today. Listeners can tune in to experience the sounds that have shaped jazz history and continue to influence musicians worldwide.
Whether you’re a longtime NOLA styled music enthusiast or new to it, tonight’s What is Hip?! broadcast provides an opportunity to connect with the soulful rhythms and melodies that have made New Orleans a global music capital.