The Story Of New Orleans, Louisiana

From the collision of African, Caribbean and European cultures to being the cradle of Jazz, the birthplace of rock n roll and laying the foundations of funk, the revolutionary sounds of New Orleans owes as much to its bloodlines and passing on of culture through generations, as its willingness to welcome everyone to the pot to commune in music and celebrate on the streets.

On Saturday 23rd November 2024 the Take Me to the River All-Stars; an intergenerational project from New Orleans, arrives to the UK to celebrate New Orlean’s rich history and bring the fiery sounds of the City to the Barbican as part of EFG London Jazz Festival. Legendary Crescent City players including Cyril Neville, Jon Cleary, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. of the Wild Magnolias, Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Rob Mercurio from the funk band Galactic, alongside award-winning film maker Martin Shore.

In this exclusive one-hour special, DJ Lil’ Koko explores New Orleans through the sounds and words of some of these players. Expect a clash of brass band sounds, low-down funk and an exploration of the unique subculture of Mardi Gras Indian folklore. Find out how music runs along bloodlines, why Louisiana is a hotbed of musical innovation spanning blues, funk and Jazz as well as the music scene today and thriving live music venues across the state.

New Orleans is also a symbol of resistance and has beckoned and nurtured musicians and artists of all kinds for more than two centuries, we explore what is about this mythical city that inspires so much creativity.