Welcome to the WWOZ Blog! This is where 'OZ staff and beloved show hosts post news, thoughts, information, and of course, music.

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Jazz Fest begins on the S.S. President: April 22, 1970

Tue, 04/24/18

Most people think of Congo Square when they think of the first Jazz Fest. But the first event of the first Jazz Fest was actually somewhere else— on the last sidewheel steamboat in America, on the Mississippi, the night of April 22, 1970. Read more

Davell Crawford: Piano Night special feature

Tue, 04/24/18

We are happy to welcome Davell Crawford back to the Piano Night stage this year! Check out his performance of 'Please Send Me Someone To Love' for Jam In The Van outside the House of Blues a few years ago.  Acclaimed as the "Piano Prince of New Orleans," Crawford brings equ... Read more

Jon Cleary on the history of New Orleans piano

Sun, 04/22/18

We are happy to welcome Jon Cleary back to the WWOZ Piano Night stage this year on Monday, April 30! Here's a fascinating preview as he breaks down the New Orleans piano sound, its many influences, and how it has a "a common denominator, a thread that runs through it. You c... Read more

Wild Opelousas: a new Mardi Gras Indian tribe grows out of a Westbank charter school

Sat, 04/21/18

Authored by:  Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee

Wild Opelousas of Martin Behrman Charter School created their first Mardi Gras Indian suits in 2016. Students are able to take a class to about this important New Orleans cultural tradition and share in making the suits. Read more

Hezekiah Walker headlines the Johnny Jackson, Jr. Gospel Is Alive! concert on April 30, 2018

Sat, 04/21/18

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation presents the 29th annual Johnny Jackson, Jr., Gospel Is Alive! Celebration, a free community concert featuring gospel star Bishop Hesekiah Walker plus Tyrone Foster & The Arc Singers and the Council on Aging Community ... Read more

Video: French Quarter Fest 2018

Sat, 04/21/18

Over half a million people attended French Quarter Fest this year, even with the Saturday cancelation. WWOZ's video team hit nearly all of the 23 stages-- check it out below! Read more

5 things to know for 4/20 - 4/26

Fri, 04/20/18

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

1) Abita Springs Busker Fest is happening this Sunday, April 22. Performers at the trailhead this year include Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band, Deslondes, Dr. Bird and the Beak Division, and Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses. Keep up to date on any changes due to weather at their Fac... Read more

New video from Hot 8: 'Get Up'

Wed, 04/18/18

Check out the new video from Hot 8! They'll be on the Acura Stage at Jazz Fest on Saturday, April 28.  Read more

34 free concerts at Louisiana Music Factory during Jazz Fest

Tue, 04/17/18

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

Check out the 2018 "Factory Fest" schedule! What a lineup. All shows take place at Louisiana Music Factory (421 Frenchmen).  Thursday, April 26 12p Anrew Duhon 1p Cha Wa 2p Jason Marsalis 3p Gal Holiday 4p Billy Iuso 5p Chris Thomas King 6p Brass-A-Holics Monday, April 30 ... Read more

John Goodman on Brass Passes

Tue, 04/17/18

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