French Quarter Fest Picks- Part 1

Thursday and Friday 2025

Start your day on Thursday bright and early with the Panorama Jazz Band (pictured above) on the Jack Daniels stage at Spanish Plaza. Led by clarinetist Ben Schenk, the band features a cast of great local musicians and mines music from all over the world including the Caribbean and eastern Europe to create an only-in-New Orleans concoction.

After that, head over to the center of the New Orleans universe, Jackson Square, for a set by Tuba Skinny at 2:30 PM. This band, led by cornetist Shaye Cohen, got their start playing on the streets of New Orleans. I first heard them play while the group was tucked into an alcove outside of a coffee shop on Frenchmen Street. Since then, the band has developed into a first class, neo-trad outfit that writes tunes in the old style. It’s great to see them getting a slot on one of the most prestigious stages.

I recently saw singer/songwriter and guitarist Joy Clark (pictured above) playing with the all-female outfit, N.O.B.A.B.E.S. Although she only sang one song in a group loaded with talent, she practically stole the show.

Follow Clark with another powerhouse vocalist Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph. Best known for her work with Galactic and the Pinettes Brass Band, she can belt it out and has an effervescent stage presence. I’m not sure who she has in her band, but it will be hard-hitting soul and funk.

Friday morning is another early start with Malevitus (pictured above) back at the Jack Daniels stage at Spanish Plaza. This group has quite a buzz in downtown circles due to some seriously intense performances. I doubt they have ever played a set this early, but I expect some over-the-top vocals and killer guitar work from edgy veteran Rob Cambre.

For something completely different, head to the other side of the French Quarter for a set by Magnetic Ear on the Louisiana Fish Fry stage at the Old U.S. Mint. This horn-heavy group resembles a brass band and is led by an “alien of extraordinary ability.” Martin Krusche is a native of Germany and is actually regarded as such by the U.S. State Department. His original compositions are jazzy and funky. Expect to see baritone sax player Daniel Oestreicher stretch out like he does with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue.

Friday afternoon presents options galore. Sam Price and the True Believers give the bassist an outlet to play songs that don’t fit with his main group, the Honey Island Swamp Band. He’s an emotive singer with a band packed with talent.

Vocalist Nayo Jones brings her Experience to the Moonwalk Extension stage. She’s a protégé of Kermit Ruffins and recently performed at Blossom Fest, the benefit for Kermit’s young daughter.

Finally, don’t miss the New Orleans Nightcrawlers and Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes (pictured above). They are playing at the same time at the Mint on separate stages, so you can easily walk back and forth and catch songs from both. The Nightcrawlers are an all-star brass band aggregation with some of the best horn players in town. The Dirty Notes are a killer jazz/funk ensemble. But then you knew that!

Tomorrow- Part 2- Saturday and Sunday