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  • Building housing former New Orleans guitar shop partially collapses onto Magazine Street

    Building housing former New Orleans guitar shop partially collapses onto Magazine Street


    NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A building housing a former New Orleans guitar shop partially collapsed Monday evening (Dec. 30), sending a cascade of bricks, timber, glass and rubble spilling onto Magazine Street near the Lower Garden District.

    New Orleans Fire Department crews were dispatched at 5:43 p.m. to the collapse at 1700 Magazine St. and arrived within five minutes. Seven companies carrying 25 firefighters responded to the emergency.

    The building at the intersection with Felicity Street is the former home of Inlow Guitars, but was sitting vacant on Monday, fire officials said. No injuries were reported in or outside the unoccupied building.

    Much of the roof and second-floor facade of the two-story building had collapsed, sending bricks and rubble into the street and onto at least one parked car. Downed power lines also were visible nearby.

    NOFD Capt. Quentin Brown said the cause of the collapse was under investigation and that city Safety and Permits and Code Enforcement inspectors were assessing the stability of the remaining structure. The inspections will determine whether the rest of the building is salvageable or should be demolished.

    Brown said the intersection would remain closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic at least through Tuesday afternoon, but perhaps longer.

    First responders work within the perimeter of a partial building collapse Monday (Dec. 30) at...
    First responders work within the perimeter of a partial building collapse Monday (Dec. 30) at Magazine and Felicity streets.(WVUE-Fox 8)

    Entergy New Orleans crews also were on scene and had cut power to much of the surrounding neighborhood while inspections were taking place. The duration of the power outage was not immediately known.

    The restaurant Gris-Gris, located across the street from the fallen building, said in a social media post that it was “partially out of power and currently shut down.”

    A spokesman for Entergy New Orleans said in a statement, “A structure collapse at the corner of Magazine and Felicity caused damage to Entergy equipment, including a transformer — which created the flash seen by those nearby. The transformer was impacted by the building collapse, it was not the cause. Entergy crews are on site and working with public safety agencies to secure the location.”

    Partial building collapse prompts evacuation, shutdown of streets Saturday in New Orleans’ CBD

    Sidewalks, businesses reopening near partially collapsed LEH building in New Orleans

    Maypop reopens after week-long closure over building collapse scare

    Monday’s building collapse comes just over two weeks after another one that caused significant traffic and commerce issues in the Central Business District.

    A three-story building housing the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities partially fell Dec. 14 at the intersection of Lafayette Street and O’Keefe Avenue in Downtown New Orleans.

    That collapse caused lane closures and shoring work that caused the restaurant Maypop across the street to close until Dec. 26 and forced dozens of employees in the distressed structure to work remotely.

    A building at 1700 Magazine Street, at the intersection with Felicity Street, partially...
    A building at 1700 Magazine Street, at the intersection with Felicity Street, partially collapsed into the street Monday evening.(Google Maps)

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    Breaking News: Building housing former New Orleans guitar shop partially collapses onto Magazine Street

    In a shocking turn of events, a building that once housed a beloved guitar shop in New Orleans has partially collapsed onto Magazine Street. The incident has left many residents and passersby stunned as they witness the aftermath of the collapse.

    Local authorities are currently on the scene assessing the situation and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity. It is unclear at this time what caused the collapse, but investigations are underway to determine the cause.

    The building, which holds sentimental value to many in the community, has been a staple in the neighborhood for years. The collapse has left many heartbroken as they remember the memories and experiences they had in the guitar shop.

    Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event, and we hope for a swift recovery and restoration of the building. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.

    Tags:

    1. New Orleans housing collapse
    2. Magazine Street building collapse
    3. Former guitar shop collapse
    4. New Orleans construction accident
    5. Building collapse in New Orleans
    6. Magazine Street property collapse
    7. Guitar shop building collapse
    8. New Orleans structural failure
    9. Magazine Street building collapse news
    10. Historic building collapse in New Orleans

    #Building #housing #Orleans #guitar #shop #partially #collapses #Magazine #Street

  • New Orleans group organizes another gun takeback event in time for New Year to decrease violence

    New Orleans group organizes another gun takeback event in time for New Year to decrease violence


    A growing initiative here in New Orleans. We are talking about the Reboot Gun trade-in. It takes place this New Year’s Eve at Household of Faith from noon to 2 p.m.Just some days ago NOLA Grown partnered with another local church. They gave out free gaming systems like Playstations and consoles to those who traded in their guns. So far organizers said they have taken about 60 guns off the streets. It’s why they wanted to host another event like this one. The hope is to start the new year off safer, while also encouraging the youth to consider gaming as a career option. Organizers said this is in reaction to recent open carry laws in our state.

    A growing initiative here in New Orleans. We are talking about the Reboot Gun trade-in. It takes place this New Year’s Eve at Household of Faith from noon to 2 p.m.

    Just some days ago NOLA Grown partnered with another local church. They gave out free gaming systems like Playstations and consoles to those who traded in their guns.

    So far organizers said they have taken about 60 guns off the streets. It’s why they wanted to host another event like this one. The hope is to start the new year off safer, while also encouraging the youth to consider gaming as a career option.

    Organizers said this is in reaction to recent open carry laws in our state.



    In an effort to combat gun violence and promote community safety, a New Orleans group has organized another gun takeback event just in time for the New Year. The event, which will be held on December 30th, encourages residents to turn in their firearms in exchange for gift cards or other incentives.

    This initiative comes as the city continues to grapple with high rates of gun violence, with over 200 homicides reported this year alone. By providing a safe and anonymous way for individuals to dispose of their weapons, organizers hope to decrease the number of guns on the streets and prevent further acts of violence.

    The gun takeback event is just one of many efforts being made by community members and organizations to address the root causes of gun violence in New Orleans. Through education, intervention programs, and advocacy, these groups are working together to create a safer and more peaceful city for all residents.

    If you or someone you know is in possession of a firearm that you no longer want or need, consider participating in the upcoming gun takeback event. Together, we can make a difference and help create a brighter future for New Orleans.

    Tags:

    New Orleans, gun takeback event, New Year, decrease violence, community initiative, gun safety, local organization, firearm safety, violence prevention, community event, public safety, New Orleans news

    #Orleans #group #organizes #gun #takeback #event #time #Year #decrease #violence

  • PlayStations for guns are offered up in New Orleans

    PlayStations for guns are offered up in New Orleans


    NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Dozens of cars lined up outside a New Orleans church parking lot this week as residents flocked to exchange firearms for video game consoles through a city-supported gun buyback initiative meant to improve public safety as Louisiana loosens gun ownership laws.

    Leticia Clanton, 50, waited all morning Tuesday for the opportunity. While she had a permit to carry a concealed handgun she had owned for the past decade, she also has eight young grandchildren running around her home. Clanton chose to swap her weapon for a PlayStation 5 worth about $500.

    “With all the grandkids and all the violence that they got going on, it’s time to get it up off the street,” Clanton said. As for the PlayStation? “It’s going to be for all of them to share when they come to the house.”

    Over the course of two hours, city police officers received and dismantled 32 revolvers, shotguns and semi-automatics, all traded in with no questions asked as long the guns were functional. In all, the city collected 94 guns through three buybacks over the last six months, all involving swaps for gaming devices.

    A local nonprofit, Unchained Realities, organized the exchanges as part of its Nola Grown gaming program that engages young people in the city with gaming. The nonprofit established two centers for youth to build skills and open up pathways to the gaming world, whether as a competitive player or through game development, graphic design and coding. A third center is in the works.

    “If my inbox is filled up with people who say they want to do this, I just felt a necessity to go out and try to raise some more money,” said J.D. Carrere, co-director of the gaming program. Tuesday’s event was paid for mainly through donations from two private businesses.

    Louisiana loosens restrictions on gun ownership

    Carrere said the buybacks came in response to Louisiana’s more relaxed gun ownership restrictions and harsher sentencing for violent crimes.

    Shortly after taking office in 2024, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry pushed a tough-on-crime agenda through the GOP-dominated Legislature. The laws passed include mandating 17-year-olds be charged as adults and require anyone convicted of a crime to serve 85% of their sentence before they can be released.

    Another law which went into effect in August allows most people 18 years or older to carry a concealed weapon without a government permit, a firearms training course or getting their fingerprints taken — all previous legal requirements.

    Landry’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

    New Orleans has historically had one of the nation’s highest homicide rates and city officials have often clashed with the rest of conservative Louisiana over how to handle violent crime. However, murders and non-fatal shootings have decreased significantly in the past two years, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

    Do gun buybacks work?

    There have been hundreds of gun buybacks around the country, but quantitative studies such as a 2021 report from the National Bureau of Economic Research have not indicated that they do much to noticeably reduce violent crime.

    Critics say buybacks only collect a fraction of the guns on the streets, fail to reach the people most likely to commit crimes and come with lots of loopholes. During a statewide gun buyback in New York in 2022, a man claimed $21,000 in gift cards by mass-producing 3D printed guns.

    Community leaders in New Orleans say the PlayStation swap should be seen not as a one-off, but as part of broader community engagement strategy that also raises awareness and connects families with city-supported gaming programs for their kids.

    “To simply take a gun away is not enough,” Carrere said. “I think to replace it with opportunity is really what we’re doing.”

    Carrere said he considers the gun buyback initiative successful if it stops even one person from using the gun to commit a crime. He points out it is likely less expensive to hand out PlayStations than imprison someone for armed robbery.

    “We all win because we don’t have to deal with another death, we don’t have to deal with another family losing loved ones either by gunshot or by jail,” Carrere said. “And we don’t have to then strain the system.”

    ___

    Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96





    In a shocking turn of events, PlayStations are being traded for guns in New Orleans. The city known for its vibrant culture and history is now making headlines for this unexpected exchange.

    According to reports, individuals looking to get rid of their firearms are turning to social media platforms to offer up their weapons in exchange for PlayStations. This unconventional barter system has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among residents and authorities alike.

    The motivations behind this trade are unclear, with some speculating that individuals are looking to get their hands on gaming consoles due to their high demand and limited supply. However, the potential dangers of trading firearms for entertainment devices are obvious, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the community.

    Law enforcement officials are urging residents to use legal and responsible means to dispose of firearms, emphasizing the importance of properly handling and securing weapons to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

    As this story continues to develop, the impact of this unusual exchange on the city of New Orleans remains to be seen. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.

    Tags:

    1. PlayStation guns
    2. New Orleans gaming
    3. PS4 gun accessories
    4. Gaming guns for sale
    5. PlayStation firearms
    6. New Orleans virtual reality
    7. Gun controllers for PlayStation
    8. Gaming accessories in New Orleans
    9. PlayStation gun games
    10. New Orleans gaming community

    #PlayStations #guns #offered #Orleans

  • Residents Urged to Prepare as Tornado Risk Increases in New Orleans

    Residents Urged to Prepare as Tornado Risk Increases in New Orleans


    With tornado season in full swing, residents of New Orleans are being urged to prepare for the increased risk of severe weather. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the area, highlighting the potential for dangerous storms to develop.

    Tornadoes are a common occurrence in the southern United States, and New Orleans is no exception. The city has experienced its fair share of tornadoes in the past, causing damage and destruction to homes and businesses.

    To help residents stay safe during tornado season, local authorities are urging people to take precautions and prepare for the possibility of severe weather. This includes creating a family emergency plan, securing outdoor items, and staying informed about weather conditions.

    One of the most important steps residents can take is to have a designated safe space in their homes where they can seek shelter during a tornado. This could be a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest level of the house.

    It is also important for residents to have an emergency kit on hand that includes items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Having these supplies readily available can help families weather the storm and stay safe until help arrives.

    In addition to preparing their homes, residents should also stay informed about weather conditions by monitoring local news and weather reports. The National Weather Service provides up-to-date information on tornado watches and warnings, allowing residents to take action quickly if a tornado is headed their way.

    By taking these steps to prepare for tornado season, residents of New Orleans can help protect themselves and their families from the dangers of severe weather. It is important to take these warnings seriously and be ready to take action when necessary to stay safe during tornado season.


    #Residents #Urged #Prepare #Tornado #Risk #Increases #Orleans,severe storms could bring a tornado risk to new orleans on saturday.

  • New Orleans on High Alert for Potential Tornadoes on Saturday

    New Orleans on High Alert for Potential Tornadoes on Saturday


    New Orleans residents are on high alert this weekend as the city braces for potential tornadoes on Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the area, warning that severe weather conditions could develop throughout the day.

    Meteorologists are closely monitoring a strong storm system that is expected to move through the region, bringing with it the possibility of damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. The threat of tornadoes is particularly concerning, as these powerful storms can cause widespread destruction and pose a serious risk to life and property.

    In response to the severe weather threat, city officials have activated the emergency alert system and are urging residents to stay informed and take precautions to ensure their safety. This includes staying indoors during the storm, securing loose objects outside, and having a plan in place in case of evacuation.

    The potential for tornadoes in New Orleans is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of severe weather. As climate change continues to impact our planet, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, underscoring the importance of being prepared and vigilant in the face of natural disasters.

    In times like these, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another. By staying informed, following safety guidelines, and looking out for our neighbors, we can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

    As we await the arrival of this potentially dangerous weather system, let us all remain vigilant, stay safe, and keep our thoughts with those who may be impacted by the severe weather. Together, we can weather any storm that comes our way.


    #Orleans #High #Alert #Potential #Tornadoes #Saturday,severe storms could bring a tornado risk to new orleans on saturday.

  • Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Risk in New Orleans This Weekend

    Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Risk in New Orleans This Weekend


    New Orleans residents are being urged to stay vigilant and prepare for potential severe weather this weekend, as meteorologists are predicting a heightened risk of tornadoes in the area.

    The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather alert for New Orleans and surrounding areas, warning of strong thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes. The risk is particularly high on Saturday and Sunday, with a combination of warm, moist air and a strong cold front expected to create unstable atmospheric conditions.

    Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and have a plan in place in case of severe weather. This includes knowing where to seek shelter in the event of a tornado, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a building.

    It is also important to secure any loose outdoor objects, such as patio furniture, that could become projectiles in high winds. Driving during severe weather should be avoided if possible, as strong winds and heavy rain can make road conditions dangerous.

    In addition to tornadoes, the severe weather forecast for New Orleans this weekend also includes the possibility of damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding. It is crucial for residents to take these warnings seriously and be prepared for any potential emergencies.

    Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as the weekend approaches. In the meantime, residents are urged to stay informed, stay safe, and be prepared for severe weather conditions in New Orleans this weekend.


    #Severe #Weather #Alert #Tornado #Risk #Orleans #Weekend,severe storms could bring a tornado risk to new orleans on saturday.

  • Tornado Threat Looms Over New Orleans This Saturday

    Tornado Threat Looms Over New Orleans This Saturday


    This Saturday, residents of New Orleans are bracing themselves for a potential tornado threat that is looming over the city. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the area, warning residents to be prepared for severe weather conditions.

    Tornadoes are a common occurrence in the southern United States, particularly during the spring and summer months when warm, moist air collides with cooler, drier air. New Orleans, situated in the Gulf Coast region, is no stranger to severe weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes.

    The threat of a tornado hitting New Orleans this Saturday has residents on high alert, with many taking steps to ensure their safety and preparedness. Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and heed any warnings or alerts issued by the National Weather Service.

    In the event of a tornado, it is important for residents to seek shelter in a sturdy building, preferably in a basement or interior room on the lowest level. They should also avoid windows and cover themselves with a mattress or heavy blankets to protect against flying debris.

    It is also important for residents to have an emergency kit prepared with essential items such as food, water, medications, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. They should also have a plan in place for how to communicate with family members and loved ones in the event of a disaster.

    As the tornado threat looms over New Orleans this Saturday, residents are being urged to stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety. By staying informed, prepared, and ready to act, residents can minimize the potential impact of severe weather events and protect themselves and their loved ones.


    #Tornado #Threat #Looms #Orleans #Saturday,severe storms could bring a tornado risk to new orleans on saturday.

  • Billy Strings Begins New Year’s Eve Series in New Orleans with Debut Covers of Townes Van Zandt and Tony Rice

    Billy Strings Begins New Year’s Eve Series in New Orleans with Debut Covers of Townes Van Zandt and Tony Rice


    Photo Credit: Stevo Rood

    2024 is racing to a close and New Year’s Eve residency season is now in full swing. Last night, Dec. 29, Billy Strings took the stage at New Orleans’s UNO Lakefront Arena, where he set off his third consecutive year-ending stand at the venue with a thrilling series opener. Through the evening, the pathbreaking bluegrass powerhouse celebrated a year of immense musical achievement with two sets and 24 tracks, including regular allusions to the three-night run’s gambling theme and debut covers of Townes Van Zandt and Tony Rice.

    Strings took the stage in The Big Easy to the tune of the genre standard “If I Lose” alongside his trusty backing quartet of fiddler Alex Hargreaves, bassist Royal Masat, banjoist Billy Failing and mandolinist Jarrod Walker, then merged into the cherished 2021 original “Red Daisy.” An explosive segued cycle followed, setting a tone of restless and dynamic experimentation for the NYE series as the band tore through the recent Highway Prayers fan-favorite “Seven Weeks in County,” “Pyramid Country,” “The Fire on My Tongue” and “Fire on the Mountain,” which arrived as a two-year bust out after debuting in July 2022. The first contemporary cover of the show rolled in as the quintet set up John Hartford’s “I’m Still Here,” then breezed through three further tracks—including more than 15 minutes of intrepid improvisation on Jeff Austin’s “15 Steps”—before the captivating set closer of 2021’s “Secrets.”

    Following a brief intermission, Strings and company returned revitalized and charged into the traditional “The Cuckoo,” the original “Slow Train” and well-traveled covers of Johnny Winter’s “Ain’t Nothing to Me” and Danny Barnes’ “Pretty Daughter.” The artist turned to his own catalog with 2019’s unforgettable “Home” and his recent romp “Happy Hollow,” then looked forward to a new entry with a debut cover of “Don’t Let the Sunshine Fool Ya,” first performed by Van Zandt on his legendary 1972 album The Late Great Townes Van Zandt.

    Strings kept the covers coming as he shuffled on to his second-ever treatment of Gordon Lightfoot’s classic “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which served as a springboard for the second set’s triumphant jam centerpiece. After another original, the bandleader opened up his debut of the traditional “Temperance Reel,” which features famously on Rice’s 1977 self-titled third album. Billy’s well-noted reverence for Rice led the cover to land as a heartfelt tribute to the late bluegrass guitar icon, priming the band and audience for a fiery run of Eddie Noack’s “Psycho” and Strings’ original “Away From the Mire” that closed the second set and an encore of Bill Monroe’s essential “Roll On Buddy Roll On.”

    Strings will return to UNO Lakefront Arena tonight, then ring in 2025 with a final performance at the venue on Dec. 31. For tickets and more information on Strings’ future touring plans, visit billystrings.com.

    Billy Strings
    UNO Lakefront Arena – New Orleans
    12/29/24

    Set I: If I Lose, Red Daisy, Seven Weeks in County, Pyramid Country, The Fire on My Tongue, Fire on the Mountain, I’m Still Here, Taking Water, Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down, 15 Steps, Secrets
    Set II: The Cuckoo, Slow Train, Ain’t Nothing to Me, Pretty Daughter, Home, Happy Hollow, Don’t Let the Sunshine Fool You, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, In the Clear, Temperance Reel, Psycho, Away From the Mire
    Encore: Roll On Buddy Roll On





    Billy Strings kicked off his New Year’s Eve series in New Orleans with a bang, debuting covers of legendary artists Townes Van Zandt and Tony Rice. The bluegrass phenom wowed fans with his unique take on Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” and Rice’s “Church Street Blues,” showcasing his impressive musical range and reverence for the roots of the genre.

    Strings’ performance was met with high praise from fans and critics alike, with many noting the authenticity and passion he brought to the stage. As he continues his residency in New Orleans, fans can expect more surprises and special guests to join him on stage, making this New Year’s Eve series a can’t-miss event for any bluegrass enthusiast.

    Stay tuned for more updates on Billy Strings’ New Year’s Eve series in New Orleans and be sure to catch one of his upcoming shows if you’re in the area. This is one musical experience you won’t want to miss!

    Tags:

    Billy Strings, New Year’s Eve, New Orleans, Townes Van Zandt, Tony Rice, live music, concert, cover songs, bluegrass, acoustic guitar

    #Billy #Strings #Begins #Years #Eve #Series #Orleans #Debut #Covers #Townes #Van #Zandt #Tony #Rice

  • Billy Strings gets up close and personal with fans in New Orleans

    Billy Strings gets up close and personal with fans in New Orleans


    NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Amid three consecutive nights at UNO Lakefront Arena, bluegrass artist Billy Strings is closing out 2024 with an experience fans will never forget.

    The guitar virtuoso started his career on viral internet fame with videos of his high-flying riffs and runs establishing himself as a name in the Americana music scene. Since those early days, Strings has become a regular guest on the Grand Ole Opry, a full-time recording artist, and a road warrior with a knack for selling out arenas.

    His guitar antics still carry viral magic as he surprised fans on Sunday (Dec. 29) by heading out to the arena parking lot to jam with fans.

    Strings himself shared photos of the interaction on his social media accounts.

    For the last few years, Strings has made a tradition of closing out the year in New Orleans with his stay ending on New Year’s Eve in front of thousands of fans at the Lakefront Arena on multiple nights.

    The raucous performances blend bluegrass with psychedelic textures and extended jams drawing inspiration from everything from Bill Monroe and Jimi Hendrix to The Grateful Dead.

    There are still some tickets available for Monday and Tuesday night’s shows. To close out 2024 with Strings, click here.

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    This past weekend, bluegrass sensation Billy Strings brought his electrifying energy to the stage in New Orleans, but it was his off-stage interactions that truly stole the show. Fans were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience as Billy took the time to get up close and personal with them throughout the weekend.

    From impromptu jam sessions in the streets to intimate meet-and-greets after the show, Billy made sure to connect with as many fans as possible. He even took the time to sign autographs, take selfies, and share stories with his adoring supporters.

    It’s moments like these that truly set Billy Strings apart from other musicians. His genuine love for his fans is evident in everything he does, and it’s clear that he values each and every person who supports his music.

    If you ever have the chance to see Billy Strings live, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get up close and personal with this incredible artist. You never know what unforgettable moments await you!

    Tags:

    Billy Strings, live music, New Orleans, concert experience, intimate performance, fan interaction, bluegrass music, acoustic guitar, memorable moments, music event, live show, artist spotlight, musician interview, fan engagement, music community

    #Billy #Strings #close #personal #fans #Orleans

  • Billy Strings Jams With Fans In The Lot Before New Year’s Run Opener In New Orleans [Recap/Photos/Videos]

    Billy Strings Jams With Fans In The Lot Before New Year’s Run Opener In New Orleans [Recap/Photos/Videos]


    Billy Strings has always been a man of the people, but fans raging the lot ahead of his 2024 New Year’s run opener at UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans could have never expected to find the man himself joining them for some casual pre-show jams on Sunday.

    This was not the first time Strings kicked it with fans before his own concert. He did the same thing just a year and a half ago before performing at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC. As his star continues to rise, the chance of such drop-ins is less and less likely, but apparently not zero. Photos and videos posted by fans show the bluegrass star soaking up the vibes on Shakedown Street and even jamming with some lucky fans.

    Such close encounters with Billy may have been worth the price of admission, but that was only the preamble of an otherwise memorable evening of arena-grass fun. Later taking the stage with his band comprised of Billy Failing (banjo), Royal Masat (bass), Alex Hargreaves (fiddle), and Jarrod Walker (mandolin), Strings kicked off the year-ending run with some big jams and deep cuts.

    After opening with the Stanley Brothers‘ “If I Lose” and “Red daisy”, the band launched into its first extended jam during “Seven Weeks in County”, setting the tone for a cosmically charged run. That satisfying introduction gave way to “Pyramid Country” and a fiery pairing of “The Fire on My Tongue” and “Fire on the Mountain” (by Bill Monroe, not the Grateful Dead song of the same name).

    Billy Strings – “If I Lose” (Stanley Brothers) > “Red Daisy”, “Seven Weeks In County” – 12/29/24

    The first set continued with John Hartford‘s “I’m Still Here” and “Taking Water”, followed by “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”, which fit the run’s gambling theme. Strings then paid tribute to the late Jeff Austin with a cover of “15 Steps” featuring a tease “Thunder”—an original song based on words by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Before departing for set break, the band finished off “Pyramid Country” and concluded the thrilling first frame with “Secrets”.

    Kicking off set two with “The Cuckoo” and “Slow Train”, Strings dusted off Johnny Winter‘s country song “Ain’t Nothing to Me” for the first time since August, followed by Danny Barnes‘ “Pretty Daughter” and a pair of originals, namely, the title track from his 2019 studio album Home and “Happy Hollow”, from his recent album Highway Prayers.

    The highlight of set two came next with the debut of “Don’t Let the Sunshine Fool You” by Townes Van Zandt and Gordon Lightfoot‘s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, played for only the second time after its debut in Cologne, Germany more than a year ago.

    Billy Strings – “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” (Gordon Lightfoot) – 12/29/24

    [Video: Todd Neal]

    “In the Clear” blended into another debut, Tony Rice‘s “Temperance Reel”, before Eddie Noack‘s “Psycho” and “Away From the Mire” capped the set. Throwing the dice once more time before saying see you later, Strings finished night one off with Bill Monroe’s “Roll on Buddy, Roll on” in the encore slot.

    Check out photos and fan-shot videos from Billy Strings’ New Year’s run opener at New Orleans’ UNO Lakefront Arena below. Scroll down for the full setlist. Find tickets for the run on Ticketmaster, Stubhub, or CashOrTrade, and find out how to stream the run here.

    Billy Strings – “I’m Still Here” (John Hartford), “Taking Water” – 12/29/24

    [Video: MB1 Music]

    Setlist [via bmfsdb]: Billy Strings | UNO Lakefront Arena | New Orleans, LA | 12/29/24

    Set 1: If I Lose (The Stanley Brothers) > Red Daisy (Billy Strings), Seven Weeks in County (Billy Strings) > Pyramid Country (Billy Strings), The Fire on My Tongue (Billy Strings) > Fire on the Mountain (Bill Monroe), I’m Still Here (John Hartford) > Taking Water (Billy Strings), Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down (Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers), 15 Steps (Jeff Austin) > Secrets (Billy Strings)
    Set 2: The Cuckoo ([Traditional]), Slow Train (Billy Strings), Ain’t Nothing to Me (Johnny Winter), Pretty Daughter (Danny Barnes), Home (Billy Strings), Happy Hollow (Billy Strings), Don’t Let the Sunshine Fool You (Townes Van Zandt), The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (Gordon Lightfoot), In the Clear (Billy Strings) > Temperance Reel (Tony Rice), Psycho (Eddie Noack) > Away From the Mire (Billy Strings)
    Encore: Roll On Buddy Roll On (Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys)





    Billy Strings brought his bluegrass magic to New Orleans for a special New Year’s run opener at the Orpheum Theater, but before hitting the stage, he decided to treat his fans to an impromptu jam session in the parking lot.

    The energy was electric as Billy and his bandmates pulled out their instruments and started playing for the eager crowd. Fans sang along and danced to the tunes, creating a festive atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the night ahead.

    As the sun set and the temperature dropped, Billy Strings continued to play, feeding off the energy of the fans who had gathered around them. The music echoed through the parking lot, drawing in even more fans who were passing by and couldn’t resist joining in on the fun.

    The joyous spirit of the impromptu jam session carried over into the concert later that evening, where Billy Strings delivered a stellar performance that left the audience in awe. From blistering banjo solos to heartfelt ballads, the band showcased their incredible talent and left no doubt that they are at the top of their game.

    Check out some photos and videos from the parking lot jam session below, and stay tuned for more updates from Billy Strings’ New Year’s run in New Orleans. It’s bound to be a memorable weekend filled with unforgettable music and good vibes.

    Tags:

    Billy Strings, New Year’s Run, New Orleans, concert recap, fan interaction, music, live performance, jam session, lot scene, photos, videos, music event, music news

    #Billy #Strings #Jams #Fans #Lot #Years #Run #Opener #Orleans #RecapPhotosVideos

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