The pride of New Orleans’ vibrant and fertile trad jazz scene, Tuba Skinny returns to Rockport for two shows! The beloved Crescent City collective started out over a decade ago as show-stopping French Quarter street buskers and have since turned into one of New Orleans’ greatest musical ambassadors, touring the world with their delicious, spirited takes on Depression-era blues, spirituals, ragtime and traditional jazz. They’re touring in support of their joyful new release, Hot Town.

Officially forming in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into an ensemble dedicated to bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the world.  Before becoming Tuba Skinny, the core of the band played in an assortment of bands on the streets of the French Quarter in the years following Hurricane Katrina. Those bands, the folkie punk Dean Man Street Orchestra (which included singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra of the acclaimed Hurray for the Riff Raff) and Loose Marbles both had an enormous effect on the musical culture of New Orleans, particularly its burgeoning revivalist jazz scene. From the start, Tuba Skinny’s home was on Royal Street in the French Quarter, drawing huge crowds for their jubilant hipster take on trad jazz. They soon began touring the country and then even Europe, playing in clubs and busking around city centers.

Drawing on a wide range of musical influences, their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of their New Orleans home. The band has gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their commitment to reviving long-lost songs, and their barnstorming live performances. They’ve released 12 full-length records, the most recent ones being 2019’s Some Kinda Skake, 2020’s Quarantine Album: Unreleased B-sides, Magnolia Stroll, and the just released Hot Town.

Website: http://tubaskinny.com/