Well Kept Secret is a music company



that invites you to discover some others this fest.



So, what’s this all about?

Here in New Orleans, we take festivals very seriously.  Outside of Mardi Gras, there isn’t a busier time of year here than April and May... and that’s because it’s time for our world renowned music festivals.

Everyone has their favorites and the lineups for all the shows that surround the festivals tend to reflect that. The truth is, most of those lineups have looked exactly the same for the past decade or so.  I can’t fault what works (and you’ll see me at those shows!) but I believe there’s a hunger for more variety and ambition.

I fell in love with New Orleans because it’s a home for the folks that don’t fit. The others. That’s what this initiative is all about:  celebrating the folks that aren’t doing thirty shows during the festival.  The folks that you may not be exposed to yet. The folks that might open a new door to you and give you a new sound to be excited about.

We’re very fortunate to live in a place with so much talent, but does it matter if you don’t know about it?  

Let’s start here. Okay, tell me more...


This is a 100% grassroots effort with zero sponsors or underwriting.  To be honest, it’s barely organized at all- just a list of shows that I think you may not be aware of that you (the adventurous and curious listener) might really enjoy.

If you dig it, then you have a new artist to see next year when you come back to Jazz Fest.  Then you can tell your friends and you all can support the artist.  Easy.

Some of these artists are affiliated with Well Kept Secret.  Some aren’t.  You’ve heard of some.  Some are brand new to you (and me).  That’s healthy.  That’s the point.

At press time, there was a limited amount of shows confirmed that I could get on the poster.  The QR code at the bottom leads you to this page, where an exhaustive and ever growing list of cool shit will live. When you are in doubt about what to go see, this page will help you decide.  Bookmark it.

The poster and graphics for this year’s edition are an homage to the people, artists, places and things that didn’t quite fit... but fit like a glove in New Orleans. It was concieved by me and designed by Graeme Morris at Risology Club. If you want to buy a HQ version, they are for sale in our store.







behold... the full schedule with notes
(new shows added daily, so bookmark us)


Thursday April 30
Xavier Lynn at Blue Nile
(Fierce southern funk-soul tapped by Mononeon, Mike Gordon and Jon Cleary... say you saw him when!)

Kristin Diable, Loose Cattle, Andrew Duhon at Music Box Village
(If Newport Folk Festival moved to New Orleans, this would close out the Harbor Stage.)

Friday May 1
Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham at Chickie Wah Wah
(Two iconic songwriters from Muscle Shoals to New Orleans.  Legendary music.)

Ravi Coltrane at Chickie Wah Wah
(Yes, it’s John and Alice’s son.  And no, it’s not a tribute act.)

Saturday May 2
Shitty Stones & CC Adcock at BJ’s Lounge
(The ultimate beer & shot evening.)

Jon Cleary at The Maple Leaf
(New Orleans’ baddest band in it’s most special room. Fireworks always happen.)

Sunday May 3
Charlie & the Tropicales and Los Guiros at Vaughan’s Lounge
(Jazz Fest is over... why not take a trip to the Carribean?)

Wednesday May 6
Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan, Michael Cerveris at Marigny Studios
(By now, the hangover has subsided.  This will put a bow on your Jazz Fest in epic fashion.)