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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In Memoriam: Big Al Carson

Sun, 04/26/20

Blues singer Alton “Big Al” Carson has passed away at the age of 66.  A native New Orleanian, Carson played tuba with multiple jazz and brass bands in New Orleans, including Doc Paulin’s, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Dejean’s Brass Band, Teddy Riley’s Royal Brass Band, Lars Ede... Read more

Interview: Derrick Tabb

Sat, 04/25/20

This week on Takin' It To The Streets, Derrick Tabb, formerly of Rebirth Brass Band, gets on the phone with Action Jackson to talk about what it was like to play in the group, what it felt like to win a Grammy, his non-profit organization The Roots of Music, and much more! ... Read more

Hats of Jazz Fest

Sat, 04/25/20

Hats have reached a new level of personal expression and representation at Jazz Fest in recent years. WWOZ volunteer photographer Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee scours the crowd each year to look for the best ones. Check out some of the best he's spotted in recent years, below. Read more

Rhythm Room 04/24/20

Somethin' Else: A Tribute to Eddie Cochran

Tue, 04/21/20

Authored by:  Neil Pellegrin

On this week's '50s R&B Show (Tuesdays, 7-10pm), hear "Somethin' Else: A Tribute to Eddie Cochran," as host Neil Pellegrin spotlights the brief but fruitful career of Eddie Cochran to mark the 60th anniversary of his death. It's available now on our 2-week archive. Much mo... Read more

Photo gallery: Festing In Place

Mon, 04/20/20

Submit your photo to festinginplace@wwoz.org to be featured in our gallery of OZilians all over the world getting their groove on to the sounds of Jazz Fest at home! Helping us stay together while we're apart. We wish we could be with you in the WWOZ Hospitality Tent at Jaz... Read more

Rhythm Room 04/17/20

In Memoriam: Counsel Chief Joe Jenkins

Thu, 04/16/20

Joe Jenkins, Counsel Chief of the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society, became an ancestor today, at the age of 90.  His passing was announced by Maroon Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson of the Guardians. It was not COVID-related. Chief Joe was one of the oldest living Mardi ... Read more

1 year anniversary of Draw Fo' Radio

Tue, 04/14/20

Authored by:  Slangston Hughes, Thelonious Kryptonite

Usually, anniversaries with more tenure get more shine and attention. I, personally, feel a deep appreciation for and pride in Draw Fo' Radio's first year on the WWOZ airwaves. Not many people know but Draw Fo' Radio has been in the works for several years and to take an id... Read more

504LIFE: a PPE streaming benefit 4/11

Fri, 04/10/20

Authored by:  Carrie Booher

"504LIFE," a livestreamed telethon event, is happening Saturday, April 11 starting at 2pm.  The goal is to help doctors, nurses, and other essential workers in New Orleans on the front line of the COVID-19 epidemic by raising money to purchase and deliver lifesaving Person... Read more