New Orleans is known for a lot of things–our food, culture, celebrations, and ability to host major events are all some of our greatest assets (if we do say so ourselves). Then there’s the sound of New Orleans–the unmistakable beat of a drum or roar of a horn. The music of New Orleans is everywhere, but perhaps one of the most thrilling displays of our rich musical heritage was broadcast on the world’s largest stage for a record 127 million eyes as part of the Super Bowl LIX pre-game show.
Here you had the one-and-only Harry Connick, Jr. welcome guests in the dome and in their living rooms to a celebration you could only have in New Orleans. What followed was a showcase of some of the city’s best talent, from Southern University’s “Human Jukebox” marching band to the Soul Rebels Brass Band, Terence Blanchard, The Original Pinettes Brass Band (the city’s first and only all-female brass band), Freddie Lonzo, and Leroy Jones, just to name a few.
The game then officially kicked off after a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” from Ledisi, followed by John Batiste for The National Anthem, and Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle performing their version of “America, the Beautiful.”
While it’s rare to get to see all that talent at once, the great thing about New Orleans is that great music is accessible all year round. If you’d like to check out one of the artists featured in the opening show, browse our artist pages below to find information about upcoming shows and more.