Good morning, New Orleans.

Jazz Fest kicked off yesterday with headliners Pearl Jam, Lil Wayne and Lenny Kravitz performing alongside local artists on 14 stages while vendors served dishes like crawfish strudel and praline beignets—continuing a two-week celebration of New Orleans culture.

Jazz Fest 2025 kicked off today with music, art, and food, featuring familiar acts along with new vendors making their debut in the city.

On Thursday, the New Orleans City Council approved new regulations to stop vendors from raising contract prices after winning bids — a move that comes amid criticism of changes in the French Quarter sanitation deal awarded to Henry Consulting.

The French Quarter Management District and the City of New Orleans launched a $1.75 million project to restore historic streetlights in the French Quarter, having repaired nearly 500 out of 945 lights since the work began in November 2024+ the project will continue through early 2026 to boost safety and set the stage for the neighborhood’s future.

New Orleans City Council approved an ordinance yesterday that requires companies to seek council approval before changing trash service contracts in the French Quarter following a controversy with Henry Consulting and IV Waste.

Council President JP Morrell said the measure addresses lacking notice requirements and comes as the city works toward a planned contract termination on July 30.

Lawyers for Angola Prison Farm Line workers argued in court on Tuesday that a new corrections policy raised the heat alert threshold from 88 to 91, worsening conditions in the fields and leaving workers without enough shade & water to avoid heat stress.

Prison officials defended the decision by showing mobile shade wagons & a new pavilion, saying the changes were based on expert advice.

UMC nurses will strike on May 1 during Jazz Fest weekend—set for May Day after a year of slow contract talks with LCMC Health over wages, worker safety, and retention.

The hospital said it will stay open while nurses and local advocates push for a fair contract.

Today the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority with HRIC Communities and NORP opened the St. Bernard Circle Apartments in the 7th Ward with a ribbon cutting attended by local leaders.

The $22 million mixed-use project offers 51 residential units—40 reserved for families earning at or below 60% of the area median income—and two retail spaces for local minority-owned businesses.

The Saints may pick a quarterback in the first round for the first time since 1971 — when they chose Archie Manning.

GM Mickey Loomis said he likes the new quarterback class but noted that top picks are usually reserved for players who can play right away.

Billy Iuso with Iko Allstars

8-11 p.m. — The Broadside — $ — Enjoy a unique take on Grateful Dead classics performed by top New Orleans musicians.

Fontaines D.C. Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Civic Theatre — Tickets start at $65 — Enjoy an energetic performance by Dublin's Fontaines D.C.

Daze Between New Orleans 2025

5-11 p.m. — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Tickets from $67.50 — Experience an incredible lineup featuring Umphrey's McGee and more across two days of music.

Mitch Woods Live

5-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Experience the boogie-woogie sounds of Mitch Woods in a lively happy hour concert.

A New Orleans Tribute to Phil Lesh

9-10:30 p.m. — Joy Theater — Tickets start at $62.50 GA — Celebrate the music of Phil Lesh with a star-studded lineup of talented artists.

Mike Gordon Concert

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Joy Theater — Tickets from $47 — Experience a live performance from the Phish bassist in a vibrant setting.

Walk It Off Sis

9-11 a.m. — Metropolitan Events — Empowering women through group walks and open conversations about health and well-being.

Bearly Dead Tribute Show

7 PM - 12 AM — No Dice — $16.09 — Experience the vibrant tribute to Grateful Dead with a full-throttle live performance filled with energy and great musicianship.

Ed Volker & Dave Malone Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets available — Celebrate Jazzfest's end with Ed Volker and Dave Malone accompanied by special guests.

Wessell Anderson Jazz Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved, $5 Students — Experience an evening of lively jazz with acclaimed musician Wessell Anderson on GiveNOLA Day.