Or, how TVD helps you navigate the complicated waters of nightlife in New Orleans.
Today’s installment features live in-store performances at our favorite record shop, the grand opening of two clubs—one old and one new with an old name, and the return of the prodigal couple.
Tonight, the husband and wife duo known as Truckstop Honeymoon, banjoist Mike West and upright bassist Katie Euliss, perform at Chickie Wah Wah. Though West is Australian, he has perfected a musical persona that recalls an early 20th century, suspender-wearing raconteur from the deep south of America. His songs were the soundtrack to a pre-Katrina sensibility of New Orleans as hobo muse.
After the flood, the couple decamped to middle America, or as one of their new songs proclaims, “The middle of nowhere or the center of everything, just a matter of perspective.” The show is a homecoming fer sure.
Saturday afternoon, the Louisiana Music Factory renews its free in-store series after a long holiday break. The sets start at 2 PM with Daria Dzuirk, and continue on the hour with Kristina Morales and H.G. Breland. Dzurik plays with a group called the Hip Drops and yes, those are steel drums in the photo.
The problem with the Circle Bar, located right on Lee Circle, was its intimacy. If a band of any renown, and they certainly booked a few, was playing in the tiny space, it was impossible to see them. Now after an extensive renovation the club is back in business. Hard rockers Rik Slave and the Phantoms kick things off tonight. Tomorrow night, Bywater drone bluesman Guitar Lightnin’ Lee headlines.
Café Istanbul used to occupy the space known as the Blue Nile (which used to be known as the Dream Palace). Now the original owner has opened a new Café Istanbul in the Healing Center on St. Claude Avenue. They are kicking things off with a bam on Saturday night with two sets by New Orleans legend Deacon John. The room only holds 350 people so this will be a chance to see Deac’s guitar heroics up close and personal. See you there!
