Event

New Orleans has its fair share of musical ambassadors; but few are more rooted in the cracked sidewalks and crackling speakers of the Crescent City than John “Papa” Gros. Born and raised in the city, Papa Gros melds funk, rock, jazz, and blues to deliver a sound that is both innovative and unmistakably New Orleans. An award-winning and treasured pianist, organist, singer/songwriter, and band leader; Papa helms Papa Grows Funk, Papa Plays the Nite Tripper, and performs as a solo artist. 

"...one of THE best, one of THE hottest and most important funky bands in New Orleans, we couldn't be prouder." -Quint Davis, producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

From 2000-2013, John “Papa” Gros led the iconic power funk quintet, Papa Grows Funk. The 
embodiment of the laissez faire spirit of the Big Easy, the group’s no rehearsal/ no playlist ethos and what became a twelve-year-long Monday night residency at the Maple Leaf Bar quickly made the band the stuff of legend. 

Fun, funky, unpredictable, and energetic, the group made Mardi Gras magic, wowed every year at Jazz Fest, and carried an international following as far afoot as Brazil and Japan. Their penchant for improvisation was a beloved hallmark of the group and fostered a near-rabid response from their loyal fans. 

“The pinnacle moments were every time the five of us got onstage, the way that we connected musically,” Papa Gros says. “We could raise the roof on any given night on any stage anywhere in the world.” 

The ensemble—Papa Gros on Hammond B3 and vocals, June Yamagishi on guitar, Jason Mingledorff on saxophone, Marc Pero on bass and “Jellybean” Alexander on drums—released six albums before disbanding following a sold-out farewell show at the famed Tipitina’s. 

They were also the subject of the acclaimed 2017 documentary, Do U Want It, chronicling the spectacular ascent of the band. Despite its “indefinite hiatus” status, the quintet remains in constant demand for reunion shows. “Everywhere I play, people want to know when Papa Grows Funk will perform again,” says Gros.

Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes rocks the house all the time every time! This classically trained New Orleans-based band delivers a smorgasbord of musical genres every time they hit the stage. JSDN defy easy categorization, their irreverent funk is cut with rock riffs, a Gypsy/Klezmer flare, a Latin tinge courtesy of a hard hitting horn section, and a sense of humor.

JSDN is a collection of carefully crafted alter egos, mystical musicians hesitant to share their personal selves but collectively ready to funk beyond the call of duty. The ensemble features Johnny Sketch (Marc Paradis) on guitar, electric cello, and lead vocals; Busta Gnutt (Dave Pomerleau) on bass and backing vocals; Dirty Johnny (Andre Bohren) on drums and backing vocals; and Johnny Rico (Omar Ramirez) on trumpet and flugelhorn: Sage Rouge (Sage Newell) on Saxophones: Josh Paxton on keyboards.

With a live show that is as carefully crafted as their musical arrangements, JSDN want the audience to have FUN; carrying them from a calm, funky groove to a full blown frenzy at the drop of a hat. In New Orleans, and across the country JSDN have developed a loyal following of die-hard fans.

Formed in 2001, JSDN have grown up together and as a band. That experience and cohesiveness is evident in every note they play.