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Live music options in New Orleans for the week of April 14 include an assortment of midlevel touring acts ranging from rappers to a grunge guitarist, plus local favorites.
THURSDAY, April 14
Jazz pianist Jon Cowherd, a Kentucky native now based in New York, did part of his musical residency in New Orleans. He forged a long-running partnership with renowned drummer Brian Blade called the Fellowship Band. More recently, Cowherd has worked as an accompanist and/or arranger for the likes of Brandi Carlile, Cassandra Wilson, Norah Jones, Iggy Pop and Joni Mitchell; he’s also arranged for the Shreveport Orchestra and the Loyola University Symphony Orchestra. On Thursday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Cowherd will perform at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro with an ensemble consisting of guitarist Steve Cardenas, bassist Tony Scherr and drummer Allan Mednard. Tickets are $35.
Jazz pianist Jon Cowherd
Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band fire up the weekly Zydeco Night at Rock ‘N’ Bowl. Showtime is 8 p.m.; tickets are $17.
Andre Bohren is the featured pianist for the weekly “Booker Sessions” at the Maple Leaf Bar at 6 p.m.; admission is $10. Later, drummer Johnny Vidacovich anchors his trio, with special guest cellist Helen Gillet, at 8 p.m..; tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door.
FRIDAY, April 15
Over the past dozen years, Journey has visited New Orleans more than any other arena rock band, spinning that “Wheel in the Sky” at the Smoothie King Center in 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2018. Since the band’s last appearance — a 2020 date was canceled because of COVID-19 — bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith departed under less than happy circumstances. That leaves guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain as the only holdovers from Journey’s classic “Escape” roster. Steve Perry soundalike Arnel Pineda is still handling lead vocals. The shifting roster now includes 2000s-era drummer Deen Castronovo, who is back in the fold, keyboardist/guitarist Jason Derlatka and new bassist Todd Jensen. Toto opens for them at the Smoothie King Center on Friday. Tickets are sold out but available on the secondary market at a premium.
At Snug Harbor, Jason Marsalis plays vibraphones as he fronts his 21st Century Trad Band for a tribute to Benny Goodman at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $35.
Blues-based guitarist Eric Johanson plugs in with his band at 11 p.m. at d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street. The show falls two months after the release of his album “Live at d.b.a.: New Orleans Bootleg,” which was recorded at the club and became Johanson’s fourth Top 10 album on the Billboard blues chart in the past two years. Tickets are $15.
Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers hit the Blue Nile on Frenchmen Street at 11 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Veteran local guitarist Renard Poche leads his NOLA Reggae project at the Maple Leaf at 9 p.m. Admission is $15 advance, $20 at the door.
Chalaban bandleader Said Tichiti plays a Moroccan guembri. The band was formed in Hungary and intermingles Moroccan and Central European music styles.
SATURDAY, April 16
The Moroccan musician Saïd Tichiti formed the band Chalaban in Hungary, specifically Budapest, in 1999. With Chalaban, he blends Moroccan music with the Balkan and Roma music styles of central Europe, resulting in a unique African jazz/world music fusion. He plays lute, Guembri and percussion, and sings. Bandmates contribute saxophone, flute, bass, guitar and drums. Concerts have been described as being “full of desert spirituality and melancholic melodies and ending with an air of trance.” Hear Chalaban on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Zony Mash Beer Project, 3940 Thalia. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 day of show.
Formed in 1978, Astral Project is still one of the most adventurous and accomplished modern jazz ensembles to ever take flight in New Orleans. Saxophonist Tony Dagradi, guitarist Steve Masakowski, bassist James Singleton and drummer Johnny Vidacovich have not performed together at Snug Harbor since the start of the pandemic more than two years ago. They finally return to Snug Harbor on Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $35.
Rapper Lil Durk brings the tour in support of his new “7220” album to the Fillmore. Tickets are sold out but available on the resale market.
The Soul Rebels fire up at the Blue Nile at 10 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Costumed cover band Bag of Donuts rocks Rock ‘N’ Bowl at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.
At d.b.a., Eric’s Gonna Die features Eric Vogel, Nigel Hall and Ari Teitel at 10 p.m.
The Maple Leaf Bar’s “Courtyard Series” on its new patio stage presents Justin Donovan and Doug Belote at 7 p.m.; admission is $10 advance, $15 at the door. Later, Dave Jordan & the NIA hits the Maple Leaf’s indoor stage at 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door.
R&B singer-songwriter Lyfe Jennings.
SUNDAY, April 17
R&B singer Monica headlines the Fillmore on a bill with Lyfe Jennings. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets start at $82.50.
Fellow R&B artists Eric Bellinger and Sammie team up for the “Vibes On Vibes Tour” stop at the House of Blues. Tickets start at $30.
Fresh off Astral Project’s return to Snug Harbor on Saturday, bassist James Singleton leads his own project at Snug on Sunday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $30.
MONDAY, April 18
The Iguanas do a 6 p.m. show at d.b.a.; tickets are $20. Stick around for Ted Hefko & the Thousandaires at 9 p.m.; tickets are $10.
Bassist George Porter Jr.’s trio grooves at the Maple for two shows, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door.
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 14: Recording artist Jerry Cantrell attends the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
TUESDAY, April 19
Jerry Cantrell made his bones as a grunge-era guitar hero with Alice In Chains. The Seattle hard rock band hit paydirt with its multimillion-selling 1992 album “Dirt,” a brooding reflection on the cost of addiction. The themes became all too real when singer Layne Staley died as a result of his own addictions. Cantrell, who also sang on numerous Alice in Chains recordings, has kept the band going even as he’s also released solo albums. He comes to the Fillmore on Tuesday in support of his latest solo album, “Brighten,” his third overall. He and his solo band will perform music from “Brighten” as well as material from his catalog. Tickets start at $45.
Also on Tuesday, the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band fires up at Zony Mash Beer Project, as it does every Tuesday in April. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Keyboardist Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen funk up the Maple Leaf at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door.
Citizen Cope, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his self-titled debut album, holds court at the House of Blues. Tickets start at $36.
Hear Widowspeak with Duz Mancini at d.b.a. Showtime is 9 p.m.; tickets are $18.
WEDNESDAY, April 20
In honor of the date April 20 — or 4/20, which holds a special place in the hearts of pot smokers — Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes play a show at the Maple Leaf starting at, yes, 4:20 p.m. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door. At 10 p.m., the Leaf presents Deven Trusclair, Ari Teitel, Traci Lee, Andriu Yanovski and Eldrick Washington. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door.
The Tin Men do a free, early show at d.b.a. at 6 p.m., followed by Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters at 9 p.m. ($15).