#MyLouisiana Series
The year’s biggest celebration of jazz music in the UK, EFG London Jazz Festival, has partnered with the state of Louisiana for a series of shows that celebrate the musical heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana, which has been so central to the development of jazz, from traditional through to modern genres. Inspired by the energy and culture of the state of Louisiana, with its deep history of jazz, the Festival has united with Explore Louisiana and Visit the USA for the #MyLouisiana series.
The partnership centres on some very special shows on the closing weekend of the festival with more to be announced!
Saturday 23 November
London Louisiana present Whiskey Moonface + 10 Bells Rag Band
First up is London Louisiana presenting Whiskey Moonface + 10 Bells Rag Band. Taking over the Barbican Freestage from 5pm, experience New Orleans-inspired music through the lens of two London-based groups, adding a distinctive twist to the classic sounds.
Take Me To The River All-Stars
In the evening continue the party with Take Me To The River at the Barbican. The Grammy award-winning film is a deep dive into the history and evolution of jazz in New Orleans, but Take Me To The River is more than just a project; it’s a heartfelt journey into the soul and essence of American music. Born from a desire to celebrate and preserve the rich musical legacies of New Orleans and Memphis.
Featuring Cyril and Omari of the legendary Neville family on vocals and percussion alongside some of the most influential figures in New Orleans funk, R&B, soul and jazz including Jon Cleary (vocals, piano), Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. (vocals), Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph (vocals), Robert Mercurio (bass), Joe Ashlar (keys) and Martin Shore (percussion and MC) alongside London based horn players
Sunday 24 November
The Big Easy
Kick off the closing day of the Festival with a day of free and fun celebrations at the Southbank Centre's Clore Ballroom is The Big Easy. Starting from 1pm, celebrate the music of Louisiana, from early-jazz big bands and cajun dance music to brass bands and carnival music. Featuring the likes of Orphy Robinson's Big Easy Big Band, Joli Blon Cajun Band, DJ Lil' Koko, The Brass Funkeys, and Kinetika Bloco.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Closing the festival at the appropriately named Lafayette on Sunday, 24 November is a Louisiana themed party featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Celebrating over 45 years since their founding in 1977, the Grammy award-winning New Orleans band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&B/Soul. This unique sound, described by the band as a ‘musical gumbo,’ has allowed The Dirty Dozen to tour across 5 continents and more than 30 countries, record 12 studio albums and collaborate with a range of artists from Modest Mouse to Widespread Panic to Norah Jones. Forty five-plus years later, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world famous music machine whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances.
Presented in partnership with
