Shows
The mission of the Friends of the Dew Drop is to preserve the Dew Drop Jazz Hall and promote its significance in the origins and the cultural history of Mandeville though jazz performance, music education programs, benevolent activities and support of emerging artists.
Thais Clark
Legendary singer, Thais Clark, is a New Orleans jazz and blues powerhouse whose rich, soulful voice and electrifying stage presence have captivated audiences for over four decades. Born and raised in the city’s historic Seventh Ward, she burst onto the scene at age 35 in Vernel Bagneris’s hit musical One Mo’ Time, earning international acclaim and touring the world from Off-Broadway to Europe and Asia. Channeling the raw emotion of legends like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, Clark has shared the stage with jazz greats including Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Whether delivering bawdy blues, tender ballads, or foot-stomping traditional jazz, she embodies the spirit, resilience, and joy of New Orleans music.
Washboard Chaz Blues Trio
Straight from the heart of New Orleans, the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio serves up pure, soul-stirring blues with a sound that’s as timeless as the city itself. Led by the Washboard Chaz, a musician who has risen from Royal Street busking to packed festival stages, he’s now featured at the forefront of some of New Orleans’ most beloved bands. The trio blends blues into a toe-tapping, heart-thumping experience that goes from the back porch to street corner celebration, and one that keeps audiences grinning, grooving, and coming back for more.
Victor Campbell
Newcomer Victor Campbell leads a powerhouse jazz quintet that blends the sophistication of classical piano with the soulful energy of jazz. With rich harmonies, spirited improvisation, and the tight interplay of seasoned musicians, their performances move effortlessly from swinging standards to fresh, modern takes on jazz favorites. Whether igniting the room with high-energy solos or drawing the audience in with smoky, intimate ballads, Victor and his band create an unforgettable musical journey that’s as dynamic as it is deeply expressive.
NOLA Sweetie Pies
New to the local music scene, the NOLA Sweetie Pies serve up a big slice of New Orleans charm featuring powerhouse vocalist Becky Lynn Blanca and gypsy jazz guitarist Russell Welch. This vivacious cast of top-notch musicians delivers a joyful mix of hot jazz, soul, and playful stage magic. Every show is fresh, fun and impossible not to dance to. Come for the music, stay for the sweet harmonies, and irresistible fun!
Rev & The Congregation
Rev Roderick Paulin & The Congregation bring the spirit of New Orleans to life with a soul-stirring blend of jazz, gospel, and funk that’ll move your feet and lift your heart. Led by saxophone virtuoso and charismatic educator & bandleader Rev Roderick Paulin, the group delivers high-energy performances steeped in the city’s rich musical traditions, with a fresh, joyful twist. Every show is a celebration—part revival, part street parade, all groove. When The Congregation plays, you don’t just hear the music—you feel it.
Northshore Gospel Choir featuring Dr. Valerie Francis
Saturday, December 6th, 6:30-9pm
Back again this season after their successful premiere in 2023, the Northshore Gospel Choir will make a triumphant, joyful return to the Dew Drop’s historic stage. The choir is composed of talented singers from local African-American churches and led by the engaging music director, Dr. Maurice Moncure. The first set will feature the gospel choir and maybe a special guest or two. Along with gospel favorites & hymns, a few holiday tunes will likely make the repertoire as we showcase the talents of our neighbors from First Free Mission Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, and several other congregations. This dynamic group of singers moves seamlessly from tender, almost whispered passages to soaring, full-bodied declarations that lift audiences to their feet. This joyful celebration has become an annual tradition & celebrates the community’s rich history in Old Mandeville.
The second set will feature vocalist Dr. Valerie Francis, an accomplished educator and cultural steward whose performances resonate with depth, history, and emotion. When Dr. Valerie Francis takes the stage for a gospel performance, the air shifts – her voice carrying both the power of a Sunday morning choir and the intimacy of a heartfelt prayer. She effortlessly blends classical precision with the soul-stirring warmth of her New Orleans heritage, turning familiar hymns and spirituals into deeply personal testaments of faith and resilience. Backed by her rich understanding of the Negro spiritual tradition, Dr. Francis doesn’t just sing gospel – she embodies it, channeling its history, joy, and unshakable hope into every note.
What to Expect
Are you planning on joining us at the Dew Drop for an upcoming concert? Here’s a few things to know:
First of all, WELCOME! We pride ourselves in being an all ages community gathering spot celebrating our local music culture so enjoy the unique setting & definitely plan on returning some day!
Time
Concerts run from 6:30 – 9:00pm; doors open at 5:30pm
Cost
Cost is $10/adult (cash preferred) to enter the grounds. Kids & students are admitted free so bring the whole family. No advance tickets are sold so just show up and pay at the entrance.
Food & Beverage
At the bar, we offer Abita beer, assorted wines, water, and sodas (cash only). Delicious plate dinners are available for purchase (cash preferred) from our next door neighbors, The Ladies of The First Free Mission Baptist Church. Fried chicken or fried fish with plenty of fixins’.
Seating
Inside is first come/first serve for about 100 people, but most people sit outside so bring a lawn chair. Prohibited on the premises: no smoking, no ice chests or outside food & drinks, and no pets.
Parking
Parking is available in the lot across the street and on the streets around the area. Please be courteous and do not block the driveways of our neighbors.
The Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall is owned by the City of Mandeville and operated by Friends of the Dew Drop, an all volunteer, non-profit (501c3) organization for the purpose of preserving the historic hall, keeping alive the music in our community and in our local schools, through our JazzKids music education initiative.
Hope to see YOU at the Dew Drop!!