The sun cast a warm glow over the Fair Grounds on Sunday as the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival drew to a close with a day packed full of legendary performances, heartfelt collaborations, and electrifying moments that reaffirm why this festival remains the soul of music. The Main Stage kicked off appropriately with a brightly costumed Cha Wa. Drummer and bandleader Joe Gelini—who has performed with Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles, The Wild Magnolias, and Alvin Youngblood Hart—founded Cha Wa over a decade ago. Led by Black Masking Indians such as former vocalist J’Wan Boudreaux and current vocalist Irving “Honey” Banister of the Golden Sioux, Cha Wa combines Indian traditions, funk, soul, and other New Orleans musical styles. The band’s albums Spyboy and My People both earned Grammy nominations.
A Meter’s Moment: Rhythmic Roots in Full Force
Kicking off the day on the Gentilly Stage with a bang, Zigaboo Modeliste—the drumming genius behind The Meters—led an energetic set that paid homage to the band’s iconic sound. His band delivered a relentless groove, offering a masterclass in New Orleans rhythm. The crowd was instantly transported as they jammed through “Soul Island” into “Look-Ka Py Py,” each beat echoing the city’s heartbeat. The highlight was “Just Kissed My Baby,” featuring a fiery sax solo by special guest Vernon Black, which had everyone on their feet. The set closed with the hypnotic “Africa,” leaving fans craving more of that deep, infectious funk.
Early Afternoon Magic: Galactic and Irma Thomas
Elsewhere, the Festival Stage was alive with energy as Galactic took the stage, joined by the legendary Irma Thomas in her third festival appearance. Known for its contemporary take on New Orleans funk, the band delivered a powerhouse performance alongside Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph’s commanding vocals. Their set was a vibrant mix of originals, playful reinterpretations like “Yes We Can Can,” and a spirited cover of Led Zeppelin’s “How Many More Times,” which showcased Joseph’s incredible vocal prowess.
Adding to the magic, Thomas joined Galactic for three songs, including a soulful rendition of “Time Is On My Side” and the heartfelt “Heart of Steel,” a nostalgic callback to their 2010 collaboration. But the crown jewel was “Where I Belong,” a joyful reflection on Thomas’s illustrious career. At 84, her voice remains pure and powerful—a testament to her enduring spirit and the city’s musical legacy.
Lenny Kravitz: Rock’s Reverent Rebel
As the afternoon waned, Lenny Kravitz took the stage with undeniable swagger, donning a fringed leather jacket and a sequined top that embodied rock-star charisma. His set was a dynamic celebration of his roots and hits, ranging from “Minister of Rock ’n’ Roll” to “TK421,” and culminating in a marathon encore featuring “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over,” “American Woman,” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” His heartfelt stories about New Orleans—his former home and a place of personal significance—added emotional depth, especially when he recalled how his father found joy here. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and sing-alongs, and Kravitz’s frequent interactions with the audience—including a warm hug for the sign-language interpreter—highlighted his genuine connection to the city.
My Morning Jacket: A Love Letter to New Orleans
Later, on the Gentilly Stage, Jim James and My Morning Jacket delivered a set that felt like a love letter to New Orleans. Opening with a soulful snippet of “Walking to New Orleans,” James expressed sincere gratitude for the city’s enduring charm. Their performance spanned fan favorites from Z, Evil Urges, and Circuital, blending rock, psychedelia, and heartfelt storytelling. The highlight was a soaring “Wordless Chorus,” which closed their set on an uplifting note. James also shared his experience at Preservation Hall, where he saw Irma Thomas perform, tying the city’s musical history into their show. As they wrapped up, the band honored New Orleans’s spirit with a gentle rendition of “Time Is On My Side,” featuring James’s acoustic guitar and a relaxed, appreciative vibe.
Trombone Shorty and a Star-Studded Finale
As the festival transitioned into its closing acts, Trombone Shorty took center stage with his signature blend of jazz, funk, and New Orleans spirit. His whirlwind set featured special guests like Cyril Neville, Lenny Kravitz, Mannie Fresh, and Juvenile. A spirited rendition of “Back That Azz Up” with Mannie Fresh and Juvenile electrified the crowd, who reveled in the collaborative magic. Wearing his signature tuxedo, Trombone Shorty brought out Cyril Neville, and the stage erupted with horns, rhythm, and improvisation—true to the city’s collaborative ethos.
Closing Highlights: Kingfish’s Blues & the Festival’s Heart
In the Blues Tent, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram delivered a masterful performance, his soulful blues and fiery guitar work leaving the audience captivated. His set was a powerful showcase of the new generation honoring the legends, with stirring renditions of “Hard Times” and “Empty Promises.” His voice—full of emotion and grit—reminded everyone why the blues remain the heartbeat of American music. Meanwhile, in the Jazz Tent, Kamasi Washington (joined by his father) led a stunning, jazz-drenched finale with a modern touch, even incorporating a bit of EDM for good measure.
Final Words: A Festival Celebrating Legacy and Living Spirit
The festival closed with a sense of renewal and gratitude as the sun set over New Orleans. From the historic rhythms of The Meters to the contemporary energy of Galactic, the rock bravado of Kravitz, and the soulful reflections of Irma Thomas and Kingfish, this final day encapsulated the essence of New Orleans—its rich history, vibrant present, and hopeful future. The 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was a stunning reminder that music is the city’s soul, alive and thriving through generations. Until next year, the spirit of New Orleans continues to echo.
