2025 was another amazing year in concerts. By the time it’s all done, I will have seen over 170 shows with at least 250 different artists. The beauty of the scene is seeing friends make it big and others do what they do for the love of music itself.
There is a chance I might have witnessed Thou’s last set at The Labyrinth Café & Gathering Space (October 16) as they announced after the show that the band is going on hiatus. The intimate space let lead singer Bryan Funck connect to his audience in a personal manner. You could see the pain and joy in his face all night.
As amazing as that show was, Explosions in the Sky still managed to take top honors this year with their show at the Joy Theater (March 28). Dubbed The End Tour, this stop might also be the last time we ever see them in New Orleans, but time will tell. The show encapsulated an amazing career and featured several of my favorite musical landscapes.
Next up was St. Vincent (pictured at top). She played the Orpheum Theater (April 10) and made it her personal background by absolutely destroying the fourth wall, giving security quite a shock to say the least. There’s such a raw power to her performance and she goes all out to entertain her audience.
Going back to the beginning of the year, People Museum brought their talents to the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market (January 4) to play with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Their music is amazing to start with, but adding in the extra layers of the LPO brought it to a whole different level. The combination was memorable and resonated deeply with me.
I love going into shows completely blind and being blown away. My fifth favorite show was no exception. Jeff Rosenstock brought his gutter-puke grime to Tipitina’s (February 18) with Soul Glo and BAD OPERATION, who were both equally amazing. The bands were awesome, but the crowd’s love was contagious and highlighted a great evening of music.
Honorable mentions: Papa Plays the Night Tripper at Tipitina’s (October 18), Cold at Junebug (November 7), Empire of the Sun at Mahalia Jackson Theater (October 6), Peelander-Z at Gasa Gasa (May 19), and Fontaines D.C. at the Civic Theatre (April 28).
photos by Steven Hatley
