A long-dormant jazz-funk outfit is coming back to American stages. The group, consisting of drummer Billy Martin, bassist Chris Wood, and keyboardist John Medeski, plays the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans on April 23, 2027, timed to the opening weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It is their first U.S. concert since September 2022 and the sole 2027 date they have announced.

Why the drought has been so long

The three musicians came together in New York in 1991 and built a following in the 1990s jam scene by blending funk, jazz and heavy improvisation. Touring slowed in the 2000s, and appearances have become unusual this decade. In 2026 they played just twice, both abroad: a pair of sets aboard Jam Cruise in February and a slot at the Seoul Jazz Festival in May. Their most recent album, a 2018 collaboration with the chamber orchestra Alarm Will Sound, is titled Omnisphere.

Why you should go

  • A rare booking. With so few performances in recent years, the Orpheum night is one of the few chances to catch the group in person.
  • A city they know well. According to the band, an early supporter flew them to New Orleans in 1996; they brought their parents along and nicknamed the trip "The Parental Summit."
  • An anniversary reissue. Their 1996 album Shack-man, recorded in a Hawaiian jungle studio, turns 30, and Real Gone Music has pressed a limited run on fluorescent green vinyl.
  • A Jazz Fest double bill. The concert lands on the festival's first Friday, so visitors can pair daytime sets with an evening show.
  • A VIP tier. A small batch of passes adds a soundcheck performance and Q&A, a personalized signed poster, a tote bag and early entry.

What to know before you go

The Orpheum Theater is at 129 Roosevelt Way. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the music begins at 9 p.m.; all ages are welcome. Artist presale started Wednesday, October 21 at 10 a.m. CT, and general sales open Friday, October 23 at 10 a.m. CT through Ticketmaster. The brief gives no ticket prices, so confirm current pricing with the venue or Ticketmaster. Live Nation is listed as organizer.

FAQ

When does the trio play New Orleans?

The concert is set for Friday, April 23, 2027, at the Orpheum Theater, with doors at 8 p.m. and a 9 p.m. start.

How much do tickets cost?

Prices are not stated in the announcement. General sales begin October 23 at 10 a.m. CT on Ticketmaster, where pricing is posted.