Looking for more to do this week? Check out the latest on Gambit's calendar at calendar.gambitweekly.com.
Skyler Higley
Skylar Higley has written for The Onion and Clickhole websites, Conan O’Brien’s show, and more recently the Oscars. But the Chicago-based comedian is known for stand-up and he released the album “Saltwater.” He performs at Sports Drink at 7 & 9 p.m. Friday, May 23. Tickets $32.63 via sportsdrink.org.
Peelander Z
Peelander Z’s shows have always been energetic punk rock spectacles with the pageantry of its color-coded outfits and often Power Ranger concepts. The original members were Japanese born but met in New York, and Peelander Yellow, aka Kengo Kioki, has long been the band’s driving force. The group released “P-Party! Z-Party!” in 2023. Crush Diamond opens at 9 p.m. Monday, May 19, at Gasa Gasa. Tickets $20.43 (including fees) via gasagasanola.com.
The Crane Wives
Musicians Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury named their indie rock and folk band The Crane Wives in a nod to The Decemberists’ 2006 album when the two began performing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2010. They were soon after joined by drummer Dan Rickabus and bassist Ben Zito (and originally banjoist Tom Gunnels). Although The Decemberists is still a good reference point for The Crane Wives, the band has found their own, harmony-driven style over the last 15 years. The band’s latest album, “Beyond Beyond Beyond,” was released in 2024. The Crane Wives play at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Tipitina’s. Tickets are $34.41 via tipitinas.com.
Marilyn Manson
It’s been 30 years since Marilyn Manson spent much of two years in New Orleans, imbibing, allegedly grave robbing and recording his breakout album “Antichrist Superstar” and another EP with Trent Reznor. Manson has combined metal and gothic and industrial rock on a dozen albums while pursuing shocking or provocative material and imagery. His latest album was last year’s “One Assassination Under God — Chapter 1.” Black Satellite opens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at The Fillmore. Tickets $37.51 and up via fillmorenola.com.
Bob Dylan Tribute
On his 84th birthday, Bob Dylan will be performing in Washington State on a tour stop for Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival. But across the country, musicians will celebrate the folk and rock legend with tribute concerts. At the Broadside, the lineup includes Susan Cowsill, Eric Johanson, Mia Borders, Alex McMurray, Billy Iuso, Papa Mali, Johnny Sansone, Brian Stoltz, Gal Holiday, Dave Jordan and more. The house band features Sam Price, Keiko Komaki, Danny Abel and Ethan Shorter. At 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at the Broadside. Tickets $27.47-$32.73 via broadsidenola.com.
Cory Henry
Keys player Cory Henry cut his teeth with the jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy and has worked with a range of artists, from The Roots to Bruce Springsteen. After heading out solo, his work has dipped more into gospel, soul and funk territory, especially in recent years. His 2024 album, “Church,” won the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album. Earlier this month, Henry joined The Nth Power for a show, and he now leads his own band at 8 p.m. Friday, May 23, at Good Measure inside The Barnett. Admission is free. Find more info at goodmeasurenola.com.
Foxy Shazam
Ohio-born rock band Foxy Shazam has a larger-than-life theatrical stage presence to back its larger-than-life sound, which over the years has drawn Queen comparisons. The band recently released its full-length, “Animalty Opera,” and is on tour. Hot Fix Sideshow, The No. 12 Looks Like You and Lobbyboxer also perform at 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at No Dice. Tickets are $34.79 via dice.fm.
There’s an outdoor music stage along the bayou and golden anniversary themed extras throughout the festival’s mix of Greek music, dance, food, drinks and more.
Brass-A-Holics
The Brass-A-Holics bring their blend of brass and funk to Tipitina’s to kick off its Free Fridays summer concert series. Electric Ramble also performs. At 9 p.m. Friday, May 23. There are no tickets, and free admission is first come, first served. Visit tipitinas.com for details.
Thais Clark birthday bash
Thais Clark has been a fixture in the New Orleans music scene, particularly at the former Palm Court Jazz Cafe. She got her start in Vernel Bagneris’ hit “One Mo’ Time” and went on to travel the world singing blues and jazz. She celebrates her birthday singing with the Jazzsters at 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 23, at Snug Harbor. Tickets $35.65 (including fees) via snugjazz.com.
Horses in Heat
The Human Horse Races aren’t until Thanksgiving, but this summer fundraiser introduces each stable’s new horse. There also are games and music by hollogram, Phedusha and Dank Williams. At 9 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Saturn Bar. Admission is $15. For information, see @humanhorseraces on Instagram.
Kaye The Beast
Gifted lyricist Kaye The Beast headlines a lineup of great New Orleans hip-hop with ShaoGrove Coal, Rapbaum and DJ Rah-Beezy at 9 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Gasa Gasa. Kaye the Beast will be joined by musician Will Paradis for his set. Tickets are $13.63 via gasagasanola.com.
Chaparelle started touring well before they released any music.
Very Good Mondays
Each Monday, guitarist Ari Teitel and trombonist Alex Wasily — who started this series in L.A. — get together a rotating crew of New Orleans’ musicians and maybe an out-of-town guest for a night of improvised funk and rock. The only rule is no covers. The next show is at 8 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the Rabbit Hole. Admission is $13.76 via rabbitholenola.com. Check the lineup on Instagram closer to the show: @very.good.mondays.nola.
The Chitlin’ Circuit
During Jim Crow, the loose network of venues that became known as The Chitlin’ Circuit gave Black musicians and performers vital spaces to play for Black communities. On Friday, May 23, the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the Dillard University’s Ray Charles Program in African-American Material Culture host a panel discussion about the Chitlin’ Circuit along with a performance by James Andrews and a pop-up serving juke joint-inspired dishes. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Jazz Museum and admission is free. Find more info at nolajazzmuseum.org.
Durand Bernarr
Covering Erykah Badu’s songs got Durand Bernarr work backing her up, and the R&B and soul singer has gone on to find his own spotlight. His 2024 album “En Route” drew a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album. Desz also performs at 8 p.m. Friday, May 23, at House of Blues. Tickets $35.25 and up via houseofblues.com.
Broadside Picnic
The Broadside’s daytime concert with picnic foods returns with music by Bon Bon Vivant and Ever More Nest. Music starts at noon Sunday, May 25. Admission $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, and free for kids under 13. Find more information at broadsidenola.com.
More than 175 restaurants to try this summer.