Steven Hatley
Slowdive at the Civic Theatre 5/14
When the pandemic ended, I made a vow to myself to see as many shows as I could, after being in such a serious drought. 2024 was an amazing year for music in the city. I saw over 150 shows and will probably catch another 15 to 20 before the year ends. Having seen so many shows over the year, choosing a favorite could have been a hard task, had it not been for the Slowdive show at the Civic Theater. This marked their first time ever playing New Orleans. Shoegaze and dream pop are among my favorite genres, so finally getting to see them was a dream come true.
LPO and Sweet Crude and Lost Bayou Ramblers at the Orpheum Theater 11/1
I had heard the Grammy-winning album the Lost Bayou Ramblers recorded with the LPO, so hearing it again live was a treat, as their music for Beasts of the Southern Wild holds a special place in my heart. The Grammy they won was also presented. The biggest surprise of the evening came from Sweet Crude, as Sam and Jack Craft wrote the arrangements of their songs for the LPO. It came off flawless and the passion that was brought on by Alexis Marceaux was beyond infectious (see pg. 30). I’m hoping the LPO and Sweet Crude will collaborate and make this performance into an album.
Imagination Movers at Tipitina’s 3/1
I’d be lying if I said I was a fan of the music, not because it isn’t good, but merely the fact I’m not in the demographic. The initial demographic has now grown up and are going to clubs, so the Imagination Movers wanted to acknowledge that fact with their first ever 18+ show. The show was packed and people sang along to all the songs while enjoying all the standard Imagination Movers shenanigans that come along with one of their live shows. The Movers plan on doing it again in the near future as the show proved it was more than just an experiment.
Imagination Movers
The debut of Sub-Division at Santos Bar 8/3
Sub-Division is a Joy Division cover act. Travis Schuler channels Ian Curtis in an uncanny fashion. The band went through the painstaking process of mimicking Joy Division’s instruments as best as possible to get a more than authentic sound. Cover bands are one in a million, but Sub-Division has a vision and a responsibility to honor Curtis’ legacy.
Sub-Division
All-Star Tribute to Stevie Wonder at Tipitina’s 10/3
Tipitina’s continued its streak of amazing tribute shows with an evening of Stevie Wonder’s music, which included performances by Deacon John, Kermit Ruffins, Nigel Hall, Jon Cleary, Big Sam, and the highlight of the evening, Irma Thomas. Her rendition of “I Just Called to Say I Love You” was magical.
Honorable mentions: Shannon Powell benefit at Tipitina’s, High Black River’s debut at Creepy Fest, Elvis Costello at the Orpheum, Red Rockers at Tipitina’s, and Whisper Party!’s album release at Saturn Bar.
Rodrigo Delgado, Jr.
Haywire at Mid City Ballroom 10/1
Something I always admire at shows is the crowd interaction, and I loved how so many people kept going back to sing into the mic during Haywire’s set. The entire show was stacked with local heavy hitters. The show opened with Holeopener, Dremm followed, BAG went on third. BAG was playing a bit more softer songs so it was definitely a more chill set prior to Haywire. During Haywire’s set, so many people were jumping off of the stage into the crowd. A couple of people at the show ended up under some of the stage divers. There was so much energy in the room the whole night. Haywire came a long way from Boston but when they were leaving they said based on what they saw that night, they for sure wanted to come back.
Haywire
Doctors at Siberia 9/13
What made this show special was not only the lineup but the turnout. Originally, the lineup was BAG, Doctors, and two other bands. Hurricane Francine hit Louisiana a couple days before the show and it led to the two bands dropping off the bill. Dremm and SLOWHOLE [pictured, top photo] hopped on the day-of and it was amazing. The room was filled with love and really loud music. I think the ending for the show was one for the books. Doctors went on last and so many people got on the stage while they were performing, and it was a great way to close out the night.
Narrow Head at Siberia 5/6
I’ve been listening to Narrow Head for a little while before I saw this show so I was stoked to be able to catch them. They dropped their album, Moments of Clarity, in early 2023 and I had been listening to it so much. Seeing them live was something I was so glad to do. They were on an East Coast tour with Wishy and Dazy, even doing a couple shows with Interpol.
Thou’s Umbilical release show at Zeitgeist Theatre 6/1
I’d never been to this venue before but it was really good. SLOWHOLE was supporting Thou on the show and their styles are so complementary. During Thou’s set I climbed a ladder to a little spot where a projector was. Even from up there you could feel the intensity from their set.
Palestine benefit show at the Fred Hampton Free Store 4/13
The Free Store hosted speakers, music, and food vendors. The bands on the show were Terminal Tongue, TWEAKHONEY, and Thou. My youngest brother ended up crowd surfing during Terminal Tongue’s set. Every band had a different sound but I love a good mixed bill. The community really showed out for this one. At the end of the show, thousands of dollars were raised and all of it was donated.
