New Orleans isn’t just a city—it’s a living, breathing groove. And nowhere has that truth been more vividly brought to life than in HBO’s critically acclaimed drama Treme, a series that did more than tell stories about post-Katrina recovery—it played the soundtrack of resilience, joy, and unbreakable spirit. Here at JamFest, we’re turning up the volume on the Treme legacy and shining a spotlight on the artists, songs, and sounds that made the show a one-of-a-kind celebration of NOLA music.
🎺 Treme: Where the Music Is the Main Character
When Treme debuted in 2010, it wasn’t just a TV show—it was an immersive cultural experience. Created by David Simon (The Wire), the series followed the lives of New Orleanians as they rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. But the true star? The music. Live, local, and performed by real musicians, the music of Treme was not only part of the backdrop—it was the story.
With an unfiltered look into the lives of street musicians, brass bands, jazz cats, funk masters, and Mardi Gras Indians, Treme delivered the most authentic musical portrayal of New Orleans ever captured on film.
🎷 A Roll Call of New Orleans Royalty – Real Artists, Real Performances
The musical talent featured on Treme reads like a hall of fame list for New Orleans:
- Kermit Ruffins – The beloved trumpeter and showman played a version of himself, lighting up the screen with his laid-back charisma and second-line swagger. His rendition of “Skokiaan” is pure magic.
- John Boutté – His song “Treme Song” became the iconic opening theme. His smooth, soulful voice threads throughout the series, becoming one of its most recognizable and heartfelt sonic signatures.
- The Treme Brass Band – Their performance of “A Closer Walk With Thee” in the opening episode still gives chills. With deep roots in the city’s musical traditions, they brought true street-level authenticity to the screen.
- Dr. John – The late, great “Night Tripper” appeared in Season 2, lending his raspy vocals and voodoo charm to the soundtrack.
- Trombone Shorty, Allen Toussaint, Cyril Neville, Rebirth Brass Band, Donald Harrison Jr., and even Elvis Costello dropped in for cameos or musical contributions, giving Treme an unmatched level of real-deal street cred.
Every performance you heard in the series was recorded live, often on location. No lip syncing. No faking it. Just pure NOLA soul.
🎶 The Soundtrack: A Mix of Jazz, Funk, Brass, Zydeco & Soul
The musical styles on Treme cover the entire sonic spectrum of New Orleans:
- Traditional Jazz – Celebrating Louis Armstrong’s legacy with tunes from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
- Second-Line Funk – With groove-heavy brass bands like Rebirth and Dirty Dozen.
- Zydeco and Cajun Flavors – From southwest Louisiana’s bayous to Bourbon Street.
- Bounce Music and Modern Hip-Hop – Reflecting the city’s contemporary musical pulse.
- Soul and Gospel – Stirring, emotional performances rooted in faith and history.
Each episode of Treme featured a musical performance woven into the plot—sometimes celebratory, sometimes heartbreaking, but always real. The result is one of the most emotionally resonant and musically rich series ever created.
🔊 Take the Party From Your Screen to Your Speakers with “What is Hip?!” on JamFest
Still vibing on Treme’s unforgettable soundtrack? Keep the party going every Friday night with “What is Hip?!”, JamFest’s own weekly radio celebration of everything NOLA.
- Only New Orleans-style music.
- Only live performances.
- And only the kind of deep grooves and brass-heavy bangers that make you want to throw beads and dance in the street.
From classic Professor Longhair piano licks to Trombone Shorty’s explosive horn blasts, “What is Hip?!” brings the flavor of Frenchmen Street, the Marigny, and the Treme neighborhood directly to your ears—no passport or plane ticket required.
🎉 JamFest: Your Friday Night Destination for a Real New Orleans Throwdown
It’s party time every Friday night at JamFest, where the beat never stops, and the groove never dies. Whether you’re a Treme superfan, a NOLA music nerd, or just discovering the magic of this city’s soundtrack, we’ve got your front-row seat to the sounds that make New Orleans New Orleans.
🪗🎭🎺 Don’t miss “What is Hip?!”—only on JamFest. Only Fridays. Only the real NOLA.
Let the second line roll, the trumpet blare, and the bass drum boom—it’s all here at JamFest, your gateway to the soul of the Big Easy.