New Orleans, Louisiana—universally celebrated as the birthplace of jazz—is the focal point of tonight’s What is Hip?! Radio Show on JamFest. From the earliest strains of Dixieland jazz, often called traditional jazz or “New Orleans jazz,” to the modern sounds keeping the city’s music legacy alive today, New Orleans has always been a city where music breathes in every street, corner, and stage.
Tonight, JamFest takes you straight into the heart of the Crescent City’s vibrant scene, blending history, culture, and live sound in a way only What is Hip?! Radio Show can deliver. Every performance featured on JamFest is live, capturing the spontaneity, passion, and energy that defines New Orleans music. From jazz standards to contemporary grooves, listeners experience the authentic sound of the city without compromise.
Major Upcoming Event: Rockin’ 1000 Comes to New Orleans
The excitement in New Orleans is building for the U.S. debut of Rockin’ 1000 on January 31, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome. Known worldwide for assembling 1,000 musicians to play in perfect synchrony, Rockin’ 1000 promises a massive, unmissable spectacle. New Orleans, with its rich musical heritage, is the perfect city for this monumental event, merging community spirit with the raw, live energy that JamFest celebrates.
Funding Crisis Hits Local Musicians
Despite its thriving music scene, New Orleans artists are facing challenges offstage. A city budget crisis has temporarily paused grants from the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy and the City Council’s Recreation and Culture Fund, impacting numerous musicians, artists, and cultural non-profits.
Organizations affected include:
- Ellis Marsalis Center for Music – A cornerstone of Musicians’ Village, nurturing generations of jazz talent.
- Cafe Reconcile – A youth-focused workforce training program blending music and social empowerment.
- UnCommon Construction – Supporting young apprentices while preserving cultural traditions.
While individual grant recipients have not been publicly named, the pause is already creating uncertainty across the city’s creative community, highlighting the delicate balance of culture and funding in a city synonymous with music.
Album Releases and Tributes
The Crescent City’s music scene continues to honor its legends:
- Clap Hands – Friends and collaborators of the late drummer, singer, and songwriter Carlo Nuccio have completed his final album. A free, all-ages listening party and celebration is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, at The Broadside Pavilion.
- Tribute Concert at Tipitina’s – Honoring Art Neville and Eddie Bo, this one-night-only concert benefits the Musicians’ Clinic, ensuring the legacy of these New Orleans icons lives on.
These events underscore the city’s deep respect for its musical pioneers while keeping the scene vibrant and connected.
Live Music Highlights: November 13–19, 2025
New Orleans is alive with music this week. Notable live performances include:
- Acid Bath – South Louisiana’s revived sludge rock band headlines at UNO Lakefront Arena on Saturday, November 15, after a 28-year hiatus.
- Andy Bell of Erasure – One-half of the British synth-pop duo brings his solo Ten Crowns tour to the Orpheum Theater, blending electronic pop with live energy.
- Jazz Nights at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro – Including the Jason Marsalis & Victor Goines Quintet and Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, delivering the signature improvisation and spontaneity of New Orleans jazz.
Every performance embodies JamFest’s mission: live music, raw and unfiltered, connecting artists and audiences in real time.
New Venue Spotlight: The Barnett – JDV by Hyatt
The Warehouse District welcomes the newly reopened Barnett – JDV by Hyatt, formerly the Ace Hotel. This 4-star venue features refreshed dining and live music spaces, providing a fresh hub for performances and nightlife in New Orleans. Its reopening reflects the city’s resilience and dedication to keeping its music culture thriving.
Tune in Tonight: What is Hip?! Radio Show
Tonight’s What is Hip?! Radio Show celebrates New Orleans’ unparalleled jazz legacy while spotlighting the latest news, concerts, and tributes from the city. JamFest listeners will experience the magic of live performances, just as New Orleans musicians intend it—spontaneous, vibrant, and full of soul.
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a rock enthusiast, or a fan of live musical energy, JamFest delivers New Orleans to your ears, bringing the streets, clubs, and concert halls of the Crescent City directly to your home.
Stream What is Hip?! Radio Show tonight on JamFest — because in New Orleans, the music is always live, always authentic, and always unforgettable.