Several local restaurants and bars are making the most of the Taylor Swift tour passing through the city next month. Fans can dine out on specially-themed menu items - here's a few suggestions, with a chance to win tickets through the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:

• Ayu Bakehouse - Ayu’s team is introducing Eras-themed baked goods under the Look What You Made Me Dough menu, including a “Gown Shaped like a Pastry” and their signature stenciled sourdough, which will be crafted to theme. For beverages, they’ll have the Bejeweled, with butterfly tea and edible glitter, and King of my Heart, a raspberry white chocolate latte. Hot Mallows (Taylor’s Version) will also be available individually or by the dozen and half-dozen, outlined below for your perusal.
• Cane & Table - Owner-Partner Kirk Estopinal will introduce a cocktail lineup inspired by iconic Taylor Swift moments, including a “Seemingly Ranch Water” with tequila, lime, and soda water, as well as “Champagne Problems” served with vodka and bergamot liquor. The special menu will run at Cane & Table for the month of October ahead of Taylor’s New Orleans stop. 
• Copper Vine Wine Pub & Inn - Whether you’re staying at the newly opened inn, located a quarter-mile from the concert venue, or getting some pre-show bites and cocktails, Copper Vine will be showcasing a select menu accompanied by concert prep activations like a glitter station from Pixie Dust, pop-up accessory shops, and more.
• Saba - Noted as one of Taylor’s previous stops, Alon Shaya’s Saba on Magazine Street will feature themed beverages like the French Blonde with gin lillet blank, grapefruit, and elderflower; the Lavender Haze with vodka, prosecco, lemon, and lavender syrup; and the Maroon with rose, pomegranate, and orange blossom syrup. Guests can dine like the pop star and enjoy modern Israeli cuisine before the show. 
• Tales of the Cocktail - The non-profit organization Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF), alongside Children’s Hospital New Orleans (CHNOLA), is raffling two sets of two (2) suite tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras concert on October 26th. With TOTCF’s mission to educate, advance, and support the global hospitality industry, all proceeds will directly benefit TOTCF and CHNOLA. Additional details, and a link to purchase tickets may be found on the dedicated raffle. 

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is teaming up with lifestyle music brand, Soul In The Horn, and the company known for freshening up funky odors,  Poo Pourri to bring The Funk Factory - a series of high-energy after parties during the city’s iconic Jazz & Heritage Festival. The after parties will showcase a mix of top tier local talent, visiting musicians, and renowned global DJs. 

The after parties will take place at the swanky rooftop lounge, The Pool Club. Located in
Crescent City’s Central Business District, Virgin Hotels New Orleans seamlessly blends luxury
hospitality with Virgin’s rich history in music & entertainment. Soul In The Horn, known for
creating one-of-a-kind music experiences, will bring their unique blend of soul, funk, and rhythm
to the after parties. The Funk Factory will officially kick off on Wednesday, May 1 and run through Sunday May, 5. The after parties are open to the public with a complimentary RSVP encouraged (more info and booking link here).
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The Funk Factory After Parties
Wednesday, May 1 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown Band and L3Ni
Thursday, May 2 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs, Tondrae Kemp & Friends w/ Marcus Machado, Chris Rob + Joe
Blaxxx and Soul Sister
Friday, May 3 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs with a tribute to Casey Benjamin
Saturday, May 4 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Trumpet Mafia Performance and DProsper
Sunday, May 5 | 2pm - 7pm
Featuring SANA, L3NI, Horn Players, and Black Dynamite

New Orleans' Joy Clark has surpassed 'up and coming' and is up and going, playing increasingly huge rooms and delighting audiences up and down the country. We've reviewed Joy's singles a few times over the last couple of years and we're excited to hear that there's an album in the works. Joy is crowdfunding the LP, and you can sign up to be a part of things on this Kickstarter page! Support one of the most deserving artists in town...we'll have the glowing reviews lined up for its release. 

Commons Club to Host Jazz Fest Burlesque Brunches
Commons Club, the bustling restaurant on the ground floor of Virgin Hotels New Orleans, will host two sensational Jazz Fest brunches. On Sunday, April 28th, from 10AM - 2PM for $40 per person, guests can get their drag and burlesque fix with a two-course prix fixe Jazz Icons Burlesque and Drag Brunch with Trixie Minx. Relish in new Spring brunch dishes from Executive Chef Chris Borges. Showtimes are at 10:30AM and 2PM.

On Saturday, May 4th, the restaurant will host The Burlesque Brunch Strikes Back - a Star Wars-themed burlesque brunch from 10AM - 2PM. Visitors can enjoy a two-course prix fixe brunch for $40 per person.

For both brunches, unlimited mimosas are available for an additional $35 per person, or opt to “Build Your Own Mimosa” with a bottle of sparkling wine and an array of juices ($65). Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 603-8000. Commons Club is located at 550 Baronne Street. https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/commons-club/
 
Beggars Banquet Offers Free Jazz Fest Shots
Named after the Rolling Stones’ famous album, it’s only fitting that this Lower Garden District dining gem commemorates the Stones’ appearance at Jazz Fest 2024. From Thursday, April 25 - Sunday, May 5th, festival-goers who bring proof of attendance (ticket, wristband, Brass Pass, or VIP lanyard) can belly up to the bar for a complimentary shot! Aptly named Beggars Can’t Be Choosers, the boozy concoction crafted by Head Bartender Josa Lazas, will remain a surprise but will feature top-tier spirits, house-made ingredients, and perfectly balanced flavor. Also on offer and available for purchase, is the Under My Thumb specialty fest-inspired cocktail - a twist on a Brandy Milk Punch featuring brandy, candied pecan orgeat, and heavy cream.

Stick around for dinner, brunch, or light bites and enjoy dishes such as Fried Green Tomatoes with burrata, balsamic reduction, and arugula; Mushroom Toast – an array of mushrooms, cipollini onion, caper pesto, crispy garlic, and shaved radish atop of toasted focaccia with cured egg yolk; Pan Seared Scallops with crab hash, potatoes, bacon, onions and Old Bay aioli; and Fresh Gulf Fish. Beggars Banquet is located at 1330 Prytania Street. The restaurant serves dinner Monday – Sunday and weekend brunch. Closed Tuesdays. www.beggarsbanquetneworleans.com

Tujague’s Hosts Bonne Femme & Bubbles
The birthplace of brunch and the Grasshopper cocktail, Tujague’s is gearing up for Jazz Fest with a very special Bonne Femme & Bubbles Brunch on Sunday, April 21st from 10AM - 2:15PM and during dinner services from 5PM - 8:30PM. Executive Chef Gus Martin will highlight a special menu priced at $52 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Indulge in an all you can eat and drink with Chicken Bonne Femme, sides, plus unlimited Bouvet Sparkling & Bouvet Excellence Brut Rosé. Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street in the French Quarter. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 525-8676. https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/

Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is teaming up with lifestyle music brand, Soul In The Horn and cheeky odor-eliminating spray, ~Pourri (from the makers of the Original Before-You-Go toilet spray, Poo-Pourri) to bring The Funk Factory - a series of high-energy after-parties during the city’s iconic Jazz & Heritage Festival. The after-parties will showcase a mix of top-tier local talent and renowned global DJs, such as Natasha Diggs & DProsper, making it the ultimate music experience for festival-goers. From May 1st - 5th, the schedule follows:
 
Wednesday, May 1 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown Band and L3Ni
 
Thursday, May 2  | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs, Tondrae Kemp & Friends w/ Marcus Machado, Chris Rob + Joe Blaxxx and Soul Sister
 
Friday, May 2  | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Natasha Diggs with a tribute to Casey Benjamin
 
Saturday, May 4 | 8pm - 12am
Featuring Trumpet Mafia Performance and DProsper
 
Sunday, May 5 | 2pm - 7pm
Featuring SANA, L3NI, Horn Players, and Black Dynamite

During Jazz Fest, the Dew Drop Inn will debut their first annual Groove City series, which will welcome some of the biggest names in Black American Music including an intimate one-night-only experience featuring the Grammy nominated collective, the Sun Ra Arkestra, taking place on Sunday, April 28th at 9pm, as well as one of New Orleans’ most exciting new projects evolving this style of music in the 21st century – Steve Lands’ Rearranging the Planets on Sunday, May 5th at 9pm. MORE INFO AND TICKETS HERE

Ace NOLA is bringing back its eighth annual Six of Saturns festival and has just announced the line-up—a dreamy mix of local artists and visiting talent that span genres from jazz to funk and R&B. The nine-day celebration of music and culture takes place from April 25-May 5 (coinciding with Jazz Fest) at Ace’s on-site music venue, Three Keys.

Additionally, 6OS will continue its beloved tradition of welcoming surprise artists following their performance on the official Jazz Fest stage. RSVPs and ticket sales are open HERE
​
Week One:
Wednesday, April 24 - Have a Great Jazz Fest with Joshua Starkman - Alto - 5:00pm 
Friday, April 26 - Stones Throw Suite with Kiefer - Three Keys - 9:00pm 
Saturday, April 27 - Performance To Be Announced - Three Keys - Time TBD
Sunday, April 28 - Nicholas Payton - Three Keys - 8:00pm 

Week Two:
Wednesday, May 1 - SONO Presents Cleo Reed - Three Keys - 9:00pm 
Thursday, May 2 - Jon Cleary with Pedro Segundo - Three Keys - 8:00pm 
Friday, May 3 - Joy Clark with Lilli Luis - Three Keys - 9:00pm 
Saturday, May 4 - Lady Wray with Jelly Joseph - Three Keys - 8:30pm 
Sunday, May 5 - Flagboy Giz with Brass-A-Holics - Three Keys - 8:00pm

Get ready to experience the magic of festival season with Festin’ After Dark in the enchanting garden at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. On Sunday, April 14th, at 9 p.m., the hotel will once again host an exclusive French Quarter Fest After Dark concert featuring B.Lew and the Grits for an intimate evening of soulful tunes that pay homage to the rich musical heritage of New Orleans while infusing it with contemporary flair.
 
Fronted by the dynamic Branden Lewis, renowned for leading the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band and his weekly gigs in Chandelier Bar, B.Lew and the Grits delivers an electrifying fusion of rhythm and blues roots with a contemporary twist that pulses through today’s music scene. A descendant of a Grammy-winning New Orleans musician, Lewis carries on his family's rich musical tradition while innovating the culture and sound that birthed him.
 
"We're thrilled to once again partner with French Quarter Fest for our very own Festin’ After Dark concert" said Mali Carow, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. "This year's concert promises to be an unforgettable night of music, culinary delights, and the unique ambiance of our hotel's garden."
 
Attendees can expect a relaxed garden party atmosphere, with long wooden benches flanking green hedges, twinkling lights and ample room for dancing. The hotel's renowned culinary team will serve up elevated festival fare alongside craft cocktails, beer and wine.
The Festin’ After Dark concert with B.Lew and the Grits at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans will take place on Sunday, April 14th, at 9 p.m. onwards. Limited tickets are available for purchase online at $65 each, which includes admission to the concert. Food and beverages will be available for purchase separately, ensuring a delectable culinary experience for all attendees.
 
For those looking to make the most of their evening, the hotel is offering a special advance purchase rate for 25 percent off, allowing guests to relax and unwind in luxurious accommodations after the concert. Don't miss out on this unforgettable night of music and celebration at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit fourseasons.com/neworleans/ 

On Friday, December 1st, 2023, Jefferson Performing Arts Society will present the iconic Blind Boys of Alabama gospel group, bringing their Christmas concert to the New Orleans area for the first time. Enjoy familiar holiday classics and hand-clapping gospel favorites for the whole family.  The Blind Boys have been touring for 75 years and are considered a pillar of American music. According to The New York Times they "epitomize what is known as jubilee singing, a livelier breed of gospel music."   

Click here for event information, concert videos and more:  Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Concert | Jefferson Performing Arts Center (jeffersonpac.com)