A New Home for WWOZ

We're thrilled to announce the location of our new home: we'll occupy the entire top (fifth) floor of The Jax Brewery Millhouse building located at 600 Decatur Street. "This is a world class location for our world class station," said Beth Arroyo Utterback, General Manager of WWOZ. We'll operate temporarily from the third floor of the Jax Brewery while renovations and studio buildout are completed on the fifth floor. We'll officially say goodbye to our French Market location at the end of November with a celebratory Second Line led by some of the city’s most iconic musicians and culture bearers.

» More on our relo

Wrap Up: Festing in Place, Fall 2023

We hope you enjoyed our recent Festing in Place event, which we produced with the Archive of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. From October 5-8, we aired archival sets from the likes of Dr John, Allen Toussaint, the Neville Brothers and dozens of others, 60 in all! You can still catch what you missed in our Two Week Archive, but sets begin expiring on Thursday, October 19; the last will be gone after Sunday October 22.

» Two Week Archive

Thank You for a Great Membership Drive

Big thank-yous to everyone who helped make our Fall Membership Drive a singular success. As always, the first round of thank-yous goes to WWOZ members, both new and renewing. Shout outs as well to our listeners, who comprise the world's most excellent audience, and a standing ovation for our Membership team, who made it all happen. Cheers to all the guardians of the groove!

» It's not too late to become a member!

In Memoriam: Russell Batiste, Jr.

We're sad to pass along news that New Orleans drummer-extraordinaire Russell Batiste, Jr. passed away late last month at the age of 57. Russell grew up in one of New Orleans’ most famous musical families and performed with his father David Batiste, Sr. and his brother Damon Batiste. He earned fame as a drummer for Charmaine Neville, the funky Meters, Papa Grows Funk, George Porter, Jr. & the Runnin' Pardners, The Wild Magnolias, the Joe Krown Trio, among many, many others, as well as his own bands, the Orkestra from Da Hood and Russell Batiste & Friends. In a recent interview Batiste said, "I had a great childhood. My life has been great all along. I got God on my side. I've done some stuff. So that's where I'm at. I'm happy still trying to play music and that's all I can do. Keep on playing the music and I love it." He will most definitely be missed.

» In Memoriam: Russell Batiste, Jr.

Photos & Video: Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest

It was a beautiful weekend full of sweet music in Lafayette Square, home of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation's Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. The lineup included Samantha Fish, Shemekia Copeland, Cedric Burnside, Tab Benoit, and many more. Check out photos and video.

» Video: WWOZ Facebook or Foundation YouTube

» Photos: WWOZ Flickr

"Closeup: Oscar Rossignoli," a WWOZ Mini-Doc

This short documentary by the WWOZ Video Department traces the musical journey of pianist Oscar Rossignoli. A native of Honduras who's been based in New Orleans for nearly a decade now, Rossignoli is accomplished at both jazz and classical playing. "Closeup" follows Rossignoli through Chopin and Rachmaninoff to Latin jazz and free improvisation. It also showcases the talent and charisma that earned him standing ovations at the last two WWOZ Piano Nights.

» See "Closeup: Oscar Rossignoli"

Reel to Real: The Early Airwaves of WWOZ

In case you missed it, last month, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation launched the Allison Miner Series, a new initiative to highlight research, scholarship, and projects that utilize the Archive's historic collection. The very first lecture featured our own George Ingmire discussing his research on the early history of WWOZ.

» Watch the video from this presentation

Volunteer Profile: Lauren Mastro

Lauren Mastro, who hosts our Gospel show Sunday mornings from 8:30-10am, draws inspiration from "the uniqueness, creativity, and artistic expression regularly on display" in New Orleans. Volunteering at WWOZ led to her "biggest surprise and greatest privilege": finding herself behind the mic, "bringing gospel, spiritual, and inspirational music to listeners around the world every Sunday morning! Living in the musical South with it’s blues and gospel roots, coupled with its deep history of civil rights and stubborn resilience, is an inspiration which motivates me to approach each show with the utmost love, accuracy, and respect." One of Lauren's brothers, Michael, an amazing photographer, was the subject of last month's volunteer profile, while brother Johnny, leader of Johnny Mastro and the MBs, is up next.

» More on Lauren Mastro

Recipe: Pastalaya

Though not particularly traditional, pastalaya is a fun variation on jambalaya, with pasta instead of rice. Like jambalaya, it's perfect for tailgaters, parades, potlucks, and any time you want a one-pan meal. The version here is fairly rustic, but you can refine it by cutting the sausage and chicken into smaller pieces, and stirring in a little heavy cream at the end of cooking.

» Recipe: Pastalaya