Shows

Guitarist and banjo player Detroit Brooks was born into a New Orleans musical family with deep roots in the Southern gospel traditions. His father, George A. Brooks, performed with the Masonic Kings; his brother Mark is a world-renowned bassist, while his sister Juanita toured extensively with her band, Juanita’s Gospel Express. Detroit came of age playing with his family’s acts, and matured into a consummate musician who can skillfully move through various musical styles: traditional and contemporary jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues. Detroit will be celebrating his mentor, legendary New Orleans musician, & cultural ambassador Danny Barker, whose own contributions to jazz include playing with Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Billie Holiday. Beyond his extraordinary musicianship, Barker was instrumental in preserving New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, founding the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band, which nurtured a new generation of jazz talent. Detroit celebrates Danny’s extraordinary life & contributions by assembling a band of musicians who will perform his music as a testament to his profound impact on jazz and New Orleans’ cultural history.

Betty Shirley is a legendary vocalist extraordinaire, artist, and teacher whose extensive repertoire ranges through modern and traditional jazz, blues, R&B, bossa nova, and her own original compositions. Critics laud her range and vocal skills, while audiences love her engaging and warm performances. She cut her vocal chops at a young age in NYC clubs like Birdland & The Village Gate, appearing around the world at festivals, before making New Orleans her home over 30 years ago. In this trio of drums, organ & vocals she’ll dazzle audiences with her amazing vocal range and sensibilities with classics from Nina Simone, Etta James & Betsy Smith.

Sunny Side Jazz Band is a New Orleans-based jazz band inspired by early jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and Fats Waller. The band takes its name from the 1930 jazz standard “On the Sunny Side of the Street”, a fitting tribute to the joyful spirit they bring to every performance. Formed in 2019, Sunny Side consists of seasoned musicians who have been playing together in various New Orleans jazz projects since 2017. They deliver a New Orleans-style jazz experience featuring rich 3-part harmonies, a driving rhythm section and high-energy fun that encourages audiences to dance, sing along, and soak in the joyful atmosphere that defines their hometown.

Matt Rhody’s Hot Club of New Orleans brings the infectious energy of swing-era jazz to life with a modern edge and virtuosic flair. The group draws inspiration from the gypsy jazz tradition while expanding the sound with contemporary rhythm, improvisation, and showmanship. At the heart of the band is lightning-fast guitar work, tight rhythmic interplay, and an undeniable sense of joy. Violinist Matt Rhody’s command of the style anchors the ensemble, blending technical precision with playful spontaneity. The result is music that feels both timeless and fresh-rooted in classic jazz forms but delivered with a vitality that captivates modern audiences. Whether playing swing standards, jazz classics, or original arrangements, the band creates an atmosphere that’s lively, sophisticated, and irresistibly fun.

Jerry Dugger is a seasoned bluesman whose music is rooted in raw emotion, lived experience, and the timeless traditions the blues. Originally from New York and a member of the New York Blues Hall of Fame, Dugger is the epitome of grit, soul, and guitar work that speaks as clearly as his lyrics, delivering songs that feel honest and deeply human. Drawing inspiration from classic blues storytellers while forging a sound that’s unmistakably his own, Jerry Dugger blends slow-burn blues, driving shuffles, and heartfelt ballads. His music reminds listeners why the blues still matter: because truth, struggle, and soul never go out of style.

Mandeville’s native son, Miles Berry and his quartet represent a new generation’s expression of Louisiana jazz, stylistically mixing the old with modern sounds. For Miles, this return to the stage at the historic Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall is more than a gig – it’s a homecoming. The Mandeville High/NOCCA Grad has made impressive strides in the New Orleans Music scene as both a sideman and stepping out in front of his own group. While last fall Miles appeared with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra at Lincoln Center, this show is a reminder that some of the most powerful music happens when an artist comes home and lets the songs speak for themselves.