MARTINDALE, TX - JULY 21:  Rapper Lil Wayne performs onstage during day one of Float Fest at Cool River Ranch on July 21, 2018 in Martindale, Texas.  (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)

A Weekend Of Local-Focused Fests Top Our Best Bets This Week

by Alex Galbraith | August 20, 2018

Last week brought the worst possible news. After a long fight with cancer, The Queen of Soul passed on and the city mourned. While Aretha wasn’t one of NOLA’s own, we couldn’t help but claim a piece of someone so soulful. And days later, we’re still finding ways to celebrate her.

If memorials aren’t your bag, though, there’s plenty going on this week for you to get into. Check out our best bets below.

Tribute to Aretha Franklin (8:00pm)

https://www.facebook.com/musicsynergy504/photos/gm.498645043931040/2348593311823917/?type=3&theater

As we mentioned, we’re still not done paying respects to one of the greatest to ever do it. Judy Hill of Ooh Poo Pah Doo fame leads a musical tribute featuring Mardi Gras Indians and a secondline from the Mid-City dive.

Where: DMac’s
When: Monday, August 20. 8 p.m.
Facebook

Dmac's Bar & Grill
$$$$
Getting there
542 S Norman C Francis Parkway, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA

The Raquels

https://www.facebook.com/raquelsraquels/photos/gm.2353279511566133/643952892655082/?type=3&theater

 

These pop-rockers are heading to town to change your perception of what a boy band can be. It will certainly be the first time that anyone with that tag has played Sidney’s Saloon.

Where: Sidney’s Saloon
When: Thursday, August 23. 8 p.m.
Facebook

Sidney's Saloon
$$$$
Getting there
1200 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Hours
Mon-Sun 7 PM – 3 AM
More Info

NOLA Downtown Music & Arts Festival

120 local artists will be showcased at this fest celebrating New Orleans musicians, an offshoot of the Cutting Edge conference. Whether you want jazz, country, swing or rock, CE has you covered with events that radiate outward toward downtown NOLA from the Old Mint. Check Siberia, Allways and others for a taste of what’s new and next.

Where: Various
When: August 24-25
More Info

LilWeezyana Fest

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmrQqYqHiBK/

Lil Wayne takes over Champions Square with a bit of help from north of the border and a little more from just down the road. Weezy is bringing along Baton Rouge upstart NBA Youngboy and Toronto’s own Tory Lanez for his latest hometown fest.

Where: Champions Square
When: Saturday, August 25.
Tickets

Champions Square
Getting there
Lasalle St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
More Info

Brewsiana: Craft Beer & Music Festival

https://www.facebook.com/HOBNewOrleans/photos/gm.410084509377675/10154836381878167/?type=3&theater

The best of Louisiana music and beer are coming together for one excellent blowout at the House of Blues. Kumasi Afrobeat Orchestra, Vaerie Sassyfras and Stone Rabbits are among the acts handling music. You know some of the city’s burlesque stars will be on hand. And we haven’t even made it to the point of the whole thing: delicious local brews. Ticket prices vary but $45 gets you in the door and all you can drink access.

Where: House Of Blues
When: Saturday, August 25. 6:00 p.m.
Tickets

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
Getting there
225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
More Info

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Alex Galbraith

Alex Galbraith

He has a distinct voice that you will come to know more as you follow VL NOLA. He has shown himself to be an intrepid entertainment and culture writer, who always knows about the best events, happenings and performers before anybody else. Now, he’s going to tell you all about them here at Very Local NOLA.

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