Fall has arrived, but the music scene in New Orleans shows no signs of slowing down. This month’s roundup features a half and half mixture of some of my very favorite acts around New Orleans that I like to feature here somewhat regularly like Deltaphonic (who is releasing an album this month!), NOJO 7 as they return for their monthly show at Three Keys, and Midriff. But two musicians who I respect deeply and whose music is as beautiful as it is complicated grace our list for the first time this month—Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown and Amina Scott. Round out your October with the Galactic show at Tipitina’s on Halloween night!
A Grammy and Billboard Award-winning artist, Kid Chocolate began playing the trumpet when he was nine years old. As a young sensation with a passion for music, Kid Chocolate was able to take his musical talents on the road at the age of 15 when he began touring the world performing at festivals, clubs, and concert halls. Talent with accolades to prove it, Kid Chocolate has received numerous awards, such as New Orleans’ Offbeat Best of the Beat and Gambit Best of the Big Easy Awards, a Latin Billboard Award, and two additional Grammy nominations. His eclectic ear has led the musical genius to conquer genres from Afro-Caribbean styles and Blues to traditional and revivalist music representative of New Orleans culture.
October 4: Deltaphonic at The Maple Leaf at 11 p.m.
This New Orleans collective’s deliciously gritty sound exists in a realm of its own. Tearing through “swampedelic rock” with a taste of hill country blues and New Orleans groove, Deltaphonic infuses every note with a funky swagger. Their original songwriting oozes with rare talent to go along with their captivating stage presence and immeasurable entertainment value.
October 5: NOJO 7 at Three Keys in the Ace Hotel at 8:30 p.m.
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s NOJO 7 is the smaller ensemble version of what you’ll find at the Jazz Market that focuses on brassy composition and progressive, cross-genre collaborations once a month at Three Keys.
October 9: Julie Odell at Gasa Gasa at 9 p.m.
Folk singer/songwriter Julie Odell is back at Gasa Gasa after a hot and humid summer. Her new album is slated to hit the shelves later this year but in the meantime, be sure to catch the live show so that you know all the words in time for the album release!
October 10: Amina Scott featuring Leon Anderson at Snug Harbor at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Amina Michele Scott, born and raised in Oakland, Ca., is an electric bassist, composer, and arranger. She currently plays and tours regularly with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), led by drummer and musical director Adonis Rose. She also co-leads her own bands, Noruz and the Amina Scott Quartet. On October 10, she will perform with classical and jazz percussionist, educator, clinician, and composer, Leon Anderson.
October 19: Midriff at One Eyed Jacks at 10 p.m.
The members of Midriff pull their musical inspiration from a lot of different genres at once to create a psychedelic, folk-y, surf-y rock vibe underneath the larger umbrella of indie rock. I feature them regularly in these roundups, and for good reason. Their music has a way of instantly soothing and energizing at the same time.
October 27: Tasche and The Psychadelic Roses at Banks St. Bar at 10 p.m.
Tasche de la Rocha got her start in New Orleans busking on the streets of the French Quarter. Her music evolved from there, and she now leads an eight-piece band that is a mixture of doo-wop, glam rock, soul, psych rock, grunge, and love song. There are four singers who sing chordal melodies that create a haunting tone, and three guitar players.
Motel Radio is a rock band based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Formed in 2014, the band has approached songwriting with a reverence for past influences coupled with an enthusiasm for contemporary artists. As a result, Motel Radio has developed a sound that is rooted in Americana, yet constantly evolving.
New Orleans veterans Galactic take the stage following Motel Radio, which is sure to include songs from their most recent album, Already Ready Already. This show also marks one of the first local performances with their newest lead vocalist, Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph of Tank and The Bangas fame.
