Herlin Riley is a renowned jazz drummer, composer, and educator celebrated for his mastery of rhythm and his deep roots in New Orleans’ musical traditions. Born in New Orleans,Riley grew up immersed in the city's vibrant culture and its storied musical heritage. He began playing drums at the age of three and later developed his craft as a multi-instrumentalist, learning the trumpet before fully committing to the drums. After studying music at Southern University, Riley quickly established himself as a sought-after drummer, joining jazz legends like Ahmad Jamal, George Benson, and Harry Connick Jr. His skillful blending of traditional New Orleans rhythms with modern jazz elements has made him a defining figure in contemporary jazz.

Herlin Riley Quartet

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Yusa is a Havana-born guitarist, bassist, vocalist, tres player, and composer. She relocated  to New Orleans in 2020 and has been spending time collaborating with many of the city’s most talented musicians. An original bandleader of Cuban bands Interactivo and Quasi Jazz, her compositions have earned her international acclaim, and her 5 albums have won her multiple awards, including one from BBC World Radio.

Yusa & World of Rhythms

Hope Folk Trio is a jazz trio lead by up and coming saxophonist, Nicholas Harrison.

Hope Folk Trio

Helen Gillet is an innovative cellist, singer, and composer known for blending jazz, classical, avant-garde, and world music influences into a unique and dynamic sound. Originally from Belgium and now based in New Orleans, Gillet has forged a distinct musical identity through her experimental approach to the cello, which incorporates live looping, improvisation, and electronic effects. Drawing inspiration from her diverse cultural background and musical training, she moves effortlessly between genres, creating richly layered compositions and striking improvisations. Gillet has collaborated with an eclectic range of artists, including avant-jazz drummer Hamid Drake, saxophonist James Singleton, and the jazz-funk group Stanton Moore Trio. Her sound is as much shaped by the traditions of European classical music as by the vibrant rhythms of New Orleans, where she has become a fixture in the city’s thriving music scene.

Helen Gillet: ReBelle Musique

Podcast link: https://youtu.be/4hagYvrYbuM

The Artelize Podcast and Kasper Holten - Pedefining Opera for the modern world

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36M5Hi6O80

The Artelize Podcast - A legacy of innovation in Opera: Celebrating Marc A. Scorca

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59E40S_EQSY

The Artelize Podcast: A love letter that was never sent

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THv6htilWtI

The Artelize Podcast and Adolfo Corrado: Mediterranean flavors, opera and social media

Danny Abel is a versatile New Orleans guitarist known for his fluid blend of jazz, funk, rock, and modern improvisation. A sought-after sideman and dynamic bandleader, Abel has performed with many of the city’s top artists and is admired for his tasteful tone, rhythmic precision, and adventurous harmonic approach.

Danny Abel & Luciano Leães

GPJ Trio featuring Mike Lemmler on keys and Terrence Houston on drums w Chris Adkins..

LATE SHOW: George Porter Jr. Trio

Maple Leaf Bar

Victor Goines born in New Orleans is an esteemed  jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and educator. He began on clarinet at age eight and later embraced saxophone in high school, drawing early inspiration from local jazz greats like Ellis Marsalis. Goines earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Loyola University New Orleans and completed his Master of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University. Since 1993, he’s been a vital voice in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis Septet, lending his talents to celebrated recordings—including the Pulitzer-winning Blood on the Fields—and to the orchestral performances on landmark albums like Wynton Marsalis/Eric Clapton Play the Blues. Goines has  also recorded and performed with Ahmad Jamal, Ruth Brown, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Dizzy Gillespie, Lenny Kravitz, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Branford Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Willie Nelson, Marcus Roberts, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, more.

Victor Goines Quartet

NOLA Very Good Tuesdays is a weekly improvised music series at the Maple Leaf Bar that brings the spirit of Alex Wasily's popular Very Good Mondays series from Los Angeles to New Orleans every Tuesday night. Co-presented by Alex Wasily (Dumpstaphunk trombonist) and Ari Teitel (guitarist), the series showcases some of New Orleans' top musicians in spontaneous collaborative performances.

Alex Wasily & Ari Teitel Present: Nola Very Good Tuesdays - Bah Humbug!

Join us in celebrating with our very own New Orleans music royalty and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at George Porter Jr.’s Big 78th

George Porter Jr.’s 78th

Jason Marsalis is the youngest son of piano patriarch and Jazz luminary Ellis Marsalis Jr.  Upon the presentation of their NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2011, The Marsalis' were declared "America's First Family of Jazz".  In addition to his renown as a drummer, Jason is also a respected vibraphonist whose 2018 release "Melody Reimagined '' with his 21st Century Trad Band rose swiftly to the top of the Billboard Jazz chart. With a fire in his heart and a passion for the music, his will to swing has never been more resolute. The maturity and the command Jason possesses over his music is clearly evident to those who have heard and seen him.

Jason Marsalis tribute to Brian Wilson & the Beach Boys

Kyle Roussel, born in Boutte, Louisiana, is a versatile pianist, composer, and producer whose music reflects the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. Trained in classical, gospel, and jazz traditions, he studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and the University of New Orleans under legendary mentors like Alvin Batiste and Ellis Marsalis Jr. His sound draws from diverse influences including James Booker, Dr. John, Stevie Wonder, and Jon Batiste, resulting in a dynamic blend of jazz, funk, gospel, and classical styles. Roussel has performed and recorded with artists such as Jon Batiste, Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Chance the Rapper, Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and many more.

Kyle Roussel "Church of New Orleans" Grammy Nomination Celebration with Herlin Riley & Erica Falls

David Navarro is a Cuban trumpet player based in New Orleans and part of the next
generation of Cuban jazz musicians moving into the jazz spotlight.

David Navarro & Tropical Jazz Secret

Steve DeTroy Trio delivers a soulful, sophisticated blend of modern jazz, New Orleans rhythm, and wide-open improvisation. Led by pianist and vocalist Steve DeTroy, the trio brings warm grooves, deep pocket, and melodic storytelling to every performance. With expressive originals, reimagined standards, and spontaneous musical conversations, the Steve DeTroy Trio creates an intimate, dynamic experience that feels both classic and fresh—perfect for jazz lovers and new listeners alike.

Steve DeTroy Trio

Experience a masterclass in New Orleans jazz at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar with three of the city's most accomplished musicians. Drummer Johnny Vidacovich, a legendary New Orleans musician with a half-century career, has played with icons like James Booker, Professor Longhair, and numerous jazz luminaries, and has maintained a Thursday night steady at the Maple Leaf since 2003.

Johnny Vidacovich Trio w/ Oscar Rossignoli & Martin Masakowski

Every Thursday night at the historic Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans, the Booker & Beyond Piano Series celebrates the rich piano traditions of the Crescent City. Made possible through a generous bequest from Tim Allspach, known as "Professor Tim"—an educator, musician, and beloved fixture at the Maple Leaf Bar—the series honors the legendary James Carroll Booker, the piano genius whose virtuosic style blended jazz, classical, blues, and gospel.

Booker & Beyond: The Professor Tim Piano Series featuring Ross Hoppe

Booker & Beyond Piano Series: Joe Krown

Ellis Marsalis Center for Music

GRAMMY award-winning trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis formed the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (UJO) in 2008.  Featuring up to 18 accomplished musicians at any given concert, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra sets the standard for celebrating jazz.

Jazz events in New Orleans, LA this month

Herlin Riley Quartet

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Yusa & World of Rhythms

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Hope Folk Trio

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Helen Gillet: ReBelle Mus...

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast - A ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast: A l...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

Danny Abel & Luciano Leãe...

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

LATE SHOW: George Porter ...

Maple Leaf Bar

Victor Goines Quartet

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Alex Wasily & Ari Teitel ...

Maple Leaf Bar

George Porter Jr.’s 78th

Maple Leaf Bar

Jason Marsalis tribute to...

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Kyle Roussel "Church of N...

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

David Navarro & Tropical ...

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Steve DeTroy Trio

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Johnny Vidacovich Trio w/...

Maple Leaf Bar

Booker & Beyond: The Prof...

Maple Leaf Bar

Booker & Beyond Piano Ser...

Ellis Marsalis Center for Music

Delfeayo Marsalis & the U...

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro