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Coffee Break

Coffee Break: The music of New Orleans

Preservation Hall Jazz Band heats things up
Preservation Hall Jazz Band heats things upAmerican Public Media

by Jill Riley and Anna Weggel

February 16, 2021

This year's Mardi Gras in New Orleans is going to look and feel very different than past celebrations. No crowded streets, no parades, closed bars, not even "go-cups" are allowed outside.

"If people think they're going to come to Louisiana, anywhere, or New Orleans and engage in the kind of activities they would have pre-pandemic then they are mistaken and quite frankly they are not welcome here to do that," Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said at a recent news conference.

We're just going to have to celebrate musically this morning and imagine what a visit might be like in future years.

For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, let's celebrate the music of New Orleans for Mardi Gras. What songs do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs played

Dr. John - Right Place Wrong Time
The Meters - Cissy Strut
Allen Toussaint - Yes We Can Can
Dixie Cups - Iko Iko
Irma Thomas - Time Is On My Side
Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Mardi Gras In New Orleans
Tank and the Bangas - Ants
Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Dear Lord (Give Me The Strength)