The funk fusion group blends genuine storytelling with synth-laden theatrics to create a show that’s one of a kind. photo by the apollo theatre in NYC Hometown heroes Tank and The Bangas are gaining in popularity, and for good reason. The funk/R&B/blues/fusion group is headed by master songstress Tarriona Ball and blends soft, soaring vocals with rap, synth, and that classic New Orleans sound that is unmistakable. Ball, also known as Tank, creates stories out of melodies and

The Oak Street Po Boy festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. In a city like New Orleans, where fried foods are king and the good times never stop rolling, one sandwich dominates them all. We aren’t talking about your typical hoagie here, people. The “Poor Boy”, pronounced “po boy”, has been a New Orleans staple since the early 1900’s. Starting with the readily available loaf of French bread, the crispy cornucopia of fried southern delicacies has had many creative

Too broke for Voodoo Fest? No worries! We got you covered! Here are just a few things to get your Halloween fix this year, on a budget that’s just downright scary. Rocky Horror Picture Show @ midnight at The Prytania featuring the Well Hung Speakers Shadowcast! Come for the heebees, stay for the geebees. The Prytania has been proudly showing the cult classic for years now every Halloween weekend. The event is BYOB and open to all of the public. Wear your favorite costume and

Looking for something cheap and authentically New Orleans? Head to the Longue Vue House and Gardens for a visual lesson on southern history and architecture. I was invited to visit the Longue Vue House and Gardens on the precept that it would be a worthwhile field trip for my fourth grade class. Located on 7 Bamboo Road, smack in the middle of Orleans and Jefferson Parish (or for the locals, New Orleans and Old Metairie), stood a regal mansion that was reminiscent of the hous

As we wrap up the month of September the first month of our “blues” theme, I’d like to write a little homage to New Orleans and the colorful blues scene from Professor Longhair, one of the most highly regarded blues musicians from Nola, to present-day favorites like local band Stoop Kids, which can be described as an eclectic mix lightly influenced by the genre. Our style of blues is unique to our wonderfully abnormal city – with influences of Caribbean and (of course) jazz,

Patrick Pearson is a young, up-and-coming New Orleans musician that performs nightly at the Marigny Brasserie. Patrick Pearson is a very community-oriented musician who teaches music in the area. He is a stringed specialist with experience in brass; the majority of his work comes as a backing musician playing the bass. In this interview, Mr. Pearson details his musical growth and upbringing, starting in the marching band at Riverdale Junior High, through his experiences at th

Every year for 30 years the Krewe of O.A.K. has put on a bash for those too eager to wait for Mardi Gras season. The festivities begin promptly at 7:30 P.M. where the Krewe lines up off the corner of Oak Street and Carrolton Avenue. As they turn the corner of Oak, the theme becomes clear. In 2015, the theme was “Tie Dye Me Up” which is a fitting name for the Krewe of O.A.K., which stands for “Outrageous And Kinky.” This year’s theme, a celebration of its 30th birthday, is “Ge

Every July the residents of New Orleans descend upon Julia Street to feast upon the visual feast of art galleries and soft openings. The only rule of this grand get together, you MUST wear something white. White Linen Night, sponsored by Whitney Bank, is a classy block party meant to showcase New Orleans’ talented artists whether they are photographers, painters, musicians, etc. Beer and wine stands are littered throughout the streets for a pricey pint, but a cost savvy opti

Every July the residents of New Orleans come together to celebrate the “Running of the Bulls” festival held at The Sugarmill downtown. The “bulls” in this case are members of New Orleans’ own Big Easy Rollergirls as well as other derby girls from across the nation. Runners and bulls alike are encouraged to dress in typical San Fermin flair of white clothing and red sashes. The New Orleans charm hasn’t lost its touch on this Spanish festival though. Many runners choose to ditc

Picture this: a throbbing crowd getting water guns sprayed all over them. Or maybe this: a bevy of beach balls being tossed around through an audience. Or better yet: a damn good concert. Filling the air with ska-punk beats, Less Than Jake put on a riveting performance sprinkled with audience amusing tactics to entertain the masses. These seasoned performers certainly know how to work a crowd, which they certainly did. Dressed in Americana garb, lead singer Chris DeMakes perf

Pepper: a band that might not be a household name, but probably should be one. When reviewing a lineup of Warped Tour, this bad stands out a bit among many screamo and guitar heavy bands. Pepper, a band consisting of three members exhibits a distinctly tropical vibe. The band, formed in Hawaii, has clear roots in an almost reggae sound that blends exceptionally with rock-based musical accompaniment. Pepper puts on nothing short of a killer show. An unanticipated performance h

Tucked away at the Full Sail stage, a singular man wailed his lungs out. That man was Donovan Melero, the lead singer of Hail The Sun, a hardcore band formed in Chico, California (where Ryan Atwood from The O.C. is from-swoon) that performed a strong show at Warped Tour. More in the realm of traditional Warped Tour lineup acts, this band’s heavy guitar and emotional vocals shouted out of speakers. You could feel the words Melero sung in your gut. This act was one of those phe

For the first time in rock history, I witnessed a shift. A shift in realizing the potential of an undervalued asset. A shift in recognizing a pattern. A shift in knowing that despite whatever horror the present presents that our future holds something brighter than all of our hope combined. What shift did I witness? I witnessed the first Warped Tour hosted in the city of New Orleans. At first, I was hesitant in regards to covering this event. As an avid consumer of pop-punk m