We Are Here For You

First and foremost, thanks for listening: it's because of you that we're able to keep sharing New Orleans music now, when we all need it the most. And we're staying on the air. You've been there for us through thick and thin, and we're here for you now. Our fabulous show hosts and staff are energized knowing that so many people are listening and depending on us for a break from the worries of the day. We're all working hard behind the scenes to stay safe and keep things going. See below for several other ways to stay connected to the New Orleans music community: our OnlineWire virtual gig calendar, our Groovapedia portal to a world of New Orleans music content, and some free digital downloads. We're also actively updating our social media to provide entertainment, education and a much-needed escape.

» Help us be there: support WWOZ

Though it seems like it's been ages, our Spring Membership Drive wrapped up just a few weeks ago, and we want to give a big shout-out to everyone involved!

» Spring Membership Drive thank-yous

In Memoriam: Ellis Marsalis

Ellis Marsalis, Jr. a true legend of jazz, passed away on April 1 at the age of 85. Marsalis was an influential player and educator in the jazz world for many decades. He recorded more than twenty albums throughout his career, but his most important legacy may be the many students he taught at NOCCA and as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of New Orleans. His former pupils include Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, Harry Connick, Jr. and, of course, his musician sons Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo, and Jason.

» In Memoriam: Ellis Marsalis

Explore with WWOZ's Groovapedia

Check out the updated beta version of Groovapedia: a collection of links and specialized search functions that provide easy access to our ever-growing collections of video, audio, and music history content. Beware: it's kind of addicting and there are many (entertaining & engaging) rabbit holes to explore.

» Launch Groovapedia

OnlineWire Virtual Gig Calendar

Because there are no gigs at music venues during the COVID-19 pandemic, we've created the WWOZ OnlineWire, a calendar of virtual gigs, in the place of the regular WWOZ Livewire. These are happening on a variety of platforms-- mostly social media. We're sharing links when and where we can. Many musicians are offering digital "tip jars" via Venmo or other payment systems during these sets. Stay in and support some live, local music!

» OnlineWire virtual gig calendar

Free Digital Downloads

Here are a couple of freebies for our audience. First, we've created an assortment of downloadable backgrounds for Zoom, the conferencing app many people are using these days. And we've got a dozen printable images of musical instruments for coloring, for bored social distancers of all ages.

» Free digital downloads

Staff Spotlight: Murf Reeves

We are thrilled to introduce our new WWOZ Music Director: John "Murf" Reeves. Murf has been a volunteer show host with WWOZ since 2001, and for the last decade he's hosted the Monday edition of the New Orleans Music Show. Over the past 19 years, Murf has worked on many WWOZ projects and events, including Piano Night, membership drives, and broadcasts of Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, Blues & BBQ Festival, among others. Murf's experience also includes stints with the Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive and Preservation Hall. Knowledgeable, positive and enthusiastic: Murf's a terrific addition to the WWOZ staff.

» WWOZ Program Schedule

Recipes from New Orleans Musicians

Just because we're staying home, doesn't mean we can't eat well. Here are 10 recipes, contributed to us by New Orleans music acts, including John Boutte's Down in the Treme Carrot Ginger Coconut Shrimp Soup, Tab Benoit's Redfish Couvillion, and Teedy Boutte's Blackened Chops with Pineapple Salsa.

» Recipes from New Orleans Musicians