2011 saw its share of ups and downs, but the music was always in the stratosphere. Check out these slideshows of the highlights of WWOZ's year in music, and wax a bit nostalgic with us as we enter the new year. We hope you enjoyed the music as much as we did, and we're counting on you to keep listening to 'OZ and supporting New Orleans music in 2012 (think of 2012 not as an apocalyptic end of the world explosion, but a big bang of music!).
To help jog your memory, take a look at some of WWOZ's great moments in 2011, including our live coverage of the Crescent City Blues Festival and Voodoo Fest, live broadcasts from our Membership Drives, and so much more!
 |
|
Davis Rogan aka DJ Davis who inspired the Treme character Davis McAlary; with OZ Program Director, Dwayne (the fictional Darnell); Show Host George Ingmire; and musician Alex McMurray.
Photo by Stafford |
My Darlin' New Orleans Treme HBO Fundraiser
HBO’s Treme, currently filming in New Orleans, hosted the second annual “My Darlin’ New Orleans” Auction and Celebrity Gala and raised over $100,000 to be split by The Roots of Music and the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation. WWOZ broadcasted live from the event.
 |
|
Hazel the Delta Rambler, on the 'OZ float for Zulu!
Photo by Blayne Bergeron |
'OZ at Mardi Gras
We were super lucky this year to be able to ride in three parades: Muses, Bacchus and Zulu. Along with that we had some fun as show hosts road in parades and reported back. Mardi Gras is always fun when you're a Wild 'OZilian!
 |
|
Phone Bank volunteers Veronica, Susan and Duane.
|
Spring Membership Drive
Thank you from all of us at 'OZ for stepping up and giving us the juice we need to keep bringing you the best of the best in New Orleans music and culture. Your continued support through thick and thin means so much to the WWOZ family.
 |
|
Old & Nu Style Fellas.
Photo by Christy Grimes
|
Takin' It To The Streets
This year we inagurated "Takin' It To The Streets," a program featuring DJ Action Jackson, helping cover all the Social Aid & Pleasure Club events and Mardi Gras Indians. Check out the page and keep your ears open for the route sheet on the air.
 |
|
Kipori Woods at the Louis-Louie Stage in front of the Mississippi.
|
French Quarter Fest
The French Quarter Festival was a huge festival that took over the entire Quarter from April 7-10 and was the perfect opportunity to see the best acts the Crescent City has to offer, all in walking distance. Some of the bands we broadcasted include: New Orleans Moon Shiners, Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses, Coot, Some Like It Hot, Iris May Tango, New Bumpers Revival Band, Mas Mamones, and many more!
 |
|
Dja Ra Ra from Haiti parading at the Fairgrounds.
Photo by Richie Drouant |
Jazz Fest
What to say about Jazz Fest? How about EVERYTHING. It was awesome, all of our favorites from New Orleans and out of town were there, and the 'OZ Hospitality Tent was an amazing oasis of delicious fruit, air-misters, and tropical greenery. We keep thinking it was Valhalla, but really it was just perfection at the Fairgrounds.
 |
|
Nigel Hall on the mainstage at Piano Night.
Photo by Jef Jaisun |
Piano Night
Isn't just a fundraiser for 'OZ, it's a magical, action-packed night at the House of Blues where real music aficidonados come together to celebrate an intimate night of music that runs the gamut from political tunes to comical, sassy performances by some of our favorite locals and out-of-towners visiting for Jazz Fest.
 |
|
Lionel and Dee in the studio.
|
Lionel Ferbos Turns 100!
Mr. Lionel Ferbos came to the studio to say hello and let us wish him a big 1-0-0! Still playing his regular gig at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe, he is the oldest known jazz musician still playing! And if there's someone older, well, Lionel is our favorite!
 |
|
Alex McMurray on guitar and Bill Malchow on piano. George Ingmire, show host and his pitch dude, Rob.
Photo by Danielle Small |
Fall Membership Drive
Every drive we worry, "Will this be a successful drive? Will we be able to raise enough to keep the station running?" and then through the grace of our amazing 'OZ listeners, not only do we make our goals, we break them!
Swamp Shop Photo Contest
This year we held a Swamp Shop photo contest to help us collect all the great photos of our listeners throughout the world in their Swamp Shop gear! And let me tell you, those photos are sweet, globetrotting and hilarious!
 |
|
Ani DiFranco and Herlin Riley
Photo by Catherine King
|
Voodoo Music Experience
Here are some high points from WWOZ's live broadcasts from the Voodoo Music Experience in City Park, including photos of Lynn Drury, Ani DiFranco, Herlin Riley, Red Baraat, Soul Rebels Brass Band, and so much more, along with our show hosts and Voodoo volunteers.
» See the broadcast schedule and photos
 |
|
Big Sam making the crowd go wild!Photo by Catherine King
|
'OZ 31st Birthday Celebrations
"Oh-oh they say its your birthday!" Well, it was! We couldn't help ourselves; after our 30th birthday bash and second line we just ahd to get out there and do it again. That Saturday was perfect weather and we marched through the Quarter, and then we made it out later that night to Tipitina's, where we partied all night to Big Sam's Funky Nation and the Stooges!
» See all the birthday highlights
Volunteer Holiday Party
Maryse, our Volunteer Coordinator, outdid herself this year with an awesome party at the newly opened Cafe Istanbul in the Healing Center on St. Claude. Sugar Bear and the Jazz Cats played for the crowd and we all enjoyed dancing, drinks, snacks and cake!
 |
|
Irvin Mayfield crooning on New Year's Eve
Photo by Catherine King |
New Year's Eve with Irvin Mayfield
While we are always out in the clubs, bringing you the best live broadcasts from around New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, we didn't want to let this one be forgotten in the rush of the New Year. With all the beautiful decorations in such an amazing venue, we just wanted to share a few pictures with you.
