Live music lovers are in for a treat this spring on The Northshore. All across the parish, you can catch outdoor music through multiple concert series.
Enjoy the fair spring weather sprawled on a blanket as you take in the show on the lawn. Listen in peace or grab a partner and dance. Some locations even allow pets and drinks (be sure to check their website or Facebook page before you go.)
The blend of genres at these concerts offers something for every music fan, young and old. There’s nothing better than sounds and sun shining through the trees as you listen to covers of hits, or maybe, a songwriter with a diamond-in-the-rough single.
Below are some of The Northshore’s most popular outdoor concert series. For a deep dive into live music on The Northshore, check out our event calendar for a full list of upcoming live music shows and more.
Jazz'n the Vines at Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard
The Jazz'n the Vines outdoor concert series at Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard is a great evening for a date night, family outing or a get-together with friends. Vineyard wines are available for tasting and purchase, and local food trucks serve up some good eats. Bring your fest chairs, blankets and battery powered candles, but no bonfires, pets, sky lanterns or outside drinks. Concerts are 6:30-9 p.m., and admission is $12 for age 12 and up, free for ages 11 and under.
The Lineup:
Apr 6: Amanda Shaw
Apr 20: Charmaine Neville
May 11: Paul Sanchez
May 25: Charlie Halloran + The Tropicales
Jun 1: The Krickets
Mandeville Live! Free Fridays
Mandeville Live! is a collection of free concerts on Fridays from March through May at the Mandeville Trailhead, starting at 6:30 p.m. The launch point along the Tammany Trace (675 Lafitte Street) is a hub for special events, live concerts and seasonal activities throughout the year.
The Lineup:
Mar 22: Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band
Apr 5: Witness
Apr 12: The Boogie Men
Apr 26: Voodoo Gumbo
May 3: Mike "The Soulman" Baptiste & The Mystics
May 10: Typically Booked
Rockin’ the Rails at Covington Trailhead
Rockin’ the Rails is the concert series at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. Hampshire St., on Thursdays each April. This free concert is rockin’!
The Lineup:
Mar 28: Omari Neville (at Peter Atkins Park)
Apr 4: Wayne Toups
Apr 11: Molly Hatcher & The Honky Tonk Angels
Apr 18: The Jump Hounds
Apr 25: Bottoms Up
Bayou Jams in Heritage Park
Slidell hosts the ever so popular, Bayou Jam. This concert series takes place at Heritage Park from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. with free admission.
The Lineup:
Mar 22: Fat City Swing Band
Apr 5: Clifton Brown and the Rusty Bucket Band
Apr 19: High School Band & Choir Showcase
Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall
The historic Dew Drop is more than a music venue, it is an experience. If you’ve been, you know exactly what we mean. You can feel the history and magic inside. The quaint space fills up quickly, but large crowds overflow in the nearby green spaces to hear the show through open windows.
The Lineup:
Feb 24: Dave Jordan
Mar 9: Cyril Neville
Mar 23: Andrew Duhon
Apr 6: Secret Six Jazz Band
Apr 20: Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band
May 11: Anaïs St. John
Sunset at the Landing
Every third Friday in Covington, you can take in a free concert at the Columbia Street Landing, at the foot of Columbia Street in downtown Covington (100 North Columbia Street.) Here you can listen to local artists play alongside the beautiful Bogue Falaya River at sunset. Artists announced on their Facebook page one or two weeks in advance of each show.
No Worries about the Weather: Indoor Concerts in Slidell and Abita
While these concert series are indoors, we couldn't leave them off this list and and risk your miss out on two venues that feature both local and touring artists from around the country: The Lobby Lounge at The Harbor Center, and Abita Springs Opry at Abita Springs Town Hall.
The Lobby Lounge at The Harbor Center
An intimate space inside Slidell's largest convention arena, The Harbor Center, The Lobby Lounge features nationally touring acts in a Bohemian-style, smoke-free, 118-seat venue with table, sofa and chair seating in the tradition of an old-style listening room. Artists from the worlds of indie, folk, country, jazz, blues music and more perform acoustic or lightly amplified music. Advance ticket sales only.
The Lineup:
Mar 7: Sofia Talvik
Apr 2: Paul Childers
May 9: Jessie Ritter
Jun 13: Maiah Wynne
Jul 16: Symone French & The Trouille Troupe
Sep 17: Anne Elise Hastings & Her Revolving Cast of Characters
Abita Springs Opry
Louisiana roots music, country, bluegrass, gospel and Cajun music are all highlighted at the Opry, held on three Saturday nights in spring and fall at Abita Springs Town Hall. Tickets are $20, all ages, all seats, and doors open at 5:15 p.m. with shows at 7 p.m. and free performances on the hall’s front porch from 4:45-6:45 p.m. weather permitting. Homemade dinners are available; proceeds benefit the town's cultural programs.
The Lineup:
Mar 16: Three Rivers Cooperative, Deep and Blue, Jonno Frishburn and Bayou Deville, Shotgun Jazz Band
Apr 20: Bad Penny Pleasuremakers, The Crybabies, Hunter Hicks Country Band, No Limit Brass Band
May 18: Steve Anderson Group, Maris and Ducros, River City Boys, Bayou Liberty Jazz Band
These concerts and the many like them put us on the map as a destination with great live music to be heard. And as festival season ramps up, you’ll have many opportunities to catch your favorite local and traveling bands in town.
Live music aside, spring on The Northshore is filled with events for foodies, families, couples and more. Check out our event calendar a dig in!
