Don't you just love the smell of festival in the morning? From the amazing food to the soul-enriching music, festival season celebrates the joys of culture and community. Bayou Boogaloo is no novice to great vibes. The uniqueness of Bayou Boogaloo comes from the location. The event space includes Bayou St. John, and attendees can float in the water with a purchase of a water ticket.
This music festival will be taking place on May 17-19. Make sure you get tickets quickly, so you won't miss out on the fun! If you needed a little more convincing, check out some of the artists that will be performing this year!
10 Acts to See at Bayou Boogaloo
1. Quintron & Miss Pussycat
May 17
This duo has been creating funky New Orleans dance music for over 20 years. In total, they have 17 albums, each showcasing New Orleans party music, all while being performed with an organ, technicolor puppets, and a plethora of homemade instruments.
After moving to New Orleans from her downtown of Antlers, Oklahoma, Miss Pussycat opened a puppet theater called Pussycat Caverns, using her puppets to entertain the audience both in the theater and on stage. The eclectic duo will surely get you in the mood to dance the night away.
2. SaxKixAve
May 17
Grammy nominated talents Alfred Banks and Albert Allenback are part of the dynamic duo known as SaxKixAve. They gained a larger following and have gone viral after their TikTok video portraying Banks' emotionless face while rapping, all while Allenback is beside him playing a flute or saxophone.
The two peas-in-a-pod are a perfect blend of harmonies, combining Bank's witty and clever lyricism with Allenback's jazz and R&B musical influences.
3. George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners
May 17
George Porter Jr., alongside Leo Nocentelli, Art "Poppa Funk" Neville, and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste, formed The Meters. The New Orleans bred R&B funk band exploded unto the Crescent City scene in the 1960s and have since been hailed in the same caliber as James Brown, Sly Stone, and Parliament/Funkadelic.
The group was recognized for their impact in funk music in 2018 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. George Porter Jr. is an award-winning bass player, songwriter, vocalist, and an absolute showstopper.
4. Suplecs
May 18
Trio Durel Yates, Danny Nick, and Andrew Preen formed Suplecs in 1996 and is one of the few long-lasting stoner metal bands that is still active in the New Orleans scene.
The group has since released four studio albums—all of them encompassing women, drugs, life, and wrestling. The band is still active, performing all throughout Louisiana and some parts of Texas. Do not miss this hardcore performance.
5. Sierra Green and the Giants
May 18
Young Sierra Green's voice echoed of a musical destiny when she began singing in the church choir at age 8. Hailing from the creative Mecca that is the 7th ward, Green's gift of serenading and capturing audiences started on the streets of Frenchmen.
She eventually moved to performing in clubs, and through community met and formed her band, the Giants. Her artistry and musical style are compared to 1960s Motown. Groove on over to her set; you are in for a treat.
6. GZA & The Funky Nomads
May 18
Gary Grice, most recognized for his stage name GZA (pronounced /jizzah/) is a hip hop artist from Staten Island, New York. He is one of the founding members of Wu-Tang Clan.
He is sharing the stage with his band, Phunky Nomads. This creative group of members comprises of Ramsey Jones on drums, Entrfied McCloud on keys, "PhearNone" MacPherson on violin, and Djibril Toure on bass.
7. Afroman
May 19
Afroman is an Grammy nominated artist notably famous of his cannabis loving hit single "Because I Got High." This comedic rapper also made headlines for creating a song based on Ohio cops' entering his home and damaging his property.
He shows no sign of slowing down as he is going on tour in 2024 and plans to release new music. His love for politics, music, and weed will make his set fun, interesting, and definitely a time you do not want to miss.
8. Lez Zeppelin
May 19
New York guitarist, Steph Paynes, decided to form a group that will rock your sock off! This all-women band is the first first female cover rock band to base themselves off of Led Zeppelin.
Since forming in 2004, the female quartet has been gaining status as one of the most exciting bands to see. The current members are Steph Paynes on guitar, Marlain Angelides on vocals, Leesa Harrington Squyres on drums, and Joan Crew on bass and keyboard. Watch these exuberant women tear up the stage at Bayou Boogaloo.
9. Big Sam's Funky Nation
May 19
Big Sam's Funky Nation is a group born from the streets of New Orleans and curated by its culture. This group is keeping funk alive by incorporating the sounds of it with hip hop, jazz, and rock.
The Funky Nation band comprises of Big Sam Williams on trombone and lead vocals, Drew "Da Phessah" Baham on trumpet and vocals, Jerry "JBlakk" Henderson on bass, Alfred "Sgt Gutta" Jordan on drums, Seizo Shibayama on guitar, and Kendrick Marshall on keys.
10. Eric Johnson
May 19
Grammy award-winning blues guitarist Eric Johnson is no novice when it comes to topping the charts. His songs have reached the Top 10 Billboard Blues Chart four times.
His musical repertoire includes rock, jazz, blues, soul, folk, classical, country, and more. He is hailed as the "Best Electric Guitarist" and "Best Acoustic Guitarist" by the Austin Chronicle; do not miss out of this show-stopping performance.
Get Your Ticket for Bayou Boogaloo
Okay, have you been convinced enough? These artists are pillars in their respective genres and are excited to give you a fantastic performance just as you are excited to see them. The calm float down the bayou and the food vendors will only enhance your bon temps at Bayou Boogaloo. Grab your friends and experience a New Orleans festival like you have never seen before.
