Dear Listener,

"The Green Room is smoking and the Plaza burning down..."

It's Carnival Time and 'OZ's definitely in the 'Zone. We're fixin' to debut our very own Mardi Gras float this year! Coming to a neighborhood near you, in some of the season's most festivious parades thanks to Kern Studios and Mardi Gras World.

Look for the float with the big Professor Longhair head sticking up from the rear and a whole buncha Wild 'OZilians dancing their ascots off and throwing down to the sounds of New Orleans. You can't miss us—we'll be the very last float in Bacchus. Don't know where we'll be in Muses or Zulu, or if we'll even stay put once we get lined up, but whether you're on the neutral ground or the sidewalk side, just yell "90.7" as loud as you can and duck!

Yours in reviewing stands and marching bands,

David Freedman
General Manager

'OZ Rolls in Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is coming up fast on us, and we have some exciting news: This year we'll have a special WWOZ float riding in the Muses, Bacchus and Zulu parades. Show hosts, staff and 'OZ friends will be tossing 'OZ themed throws to lucky parade-goers. See you on the parade route!

If you live in New Orleans and have extra beads lying around, help us (and the planet) by recycling your Mardi Gras beads. You can drop them off at the 'OZ station (1008 N. Peters, in the French Quarter) Monday through Friday, 10am-5pm. As a thank you, we're giving away 30th birthday special edition stickers to anyone who makes a donation.

» Check out our Mardi Gras page

Highlights from HBO's Treme Fundraiser

In support of New Orleans music organizations The Roots of Music and the Musician's Clinic, HBO's Treme held an auction and celebrity gala, "My Darlin' New Orleans," on February 12th. Check out our coverage of the event, including all the celebrities, food and music.

And don't forget: On April 24th, the second season of HBO's acclaimed series, Treme, will come back following the stories of New Orleanians post-Katrina. WWOZ will again be featured in the show, with our favorite fictional show host, Davis McAlary, played by Steve Zahn. So get ready for season two by checking out our photo gallery of the actors and the real life New Orleanians depicted in the show that all came out to support New Orleans music culture at the benefit.

» Coverage from "My Darlin' New Orleans"

The Brass Pass: Your Best Ticket to Jazz Fest

With Jazz Fest right around the corner, be sure to get your WWOZ Brass Pass. The 'OZ Brass Pass is the best ticket to jazz fest and when you buy one, you’ll be helping 'OZ keep the groove going all year long. Brass Passes get you entry and re-entry to all seven days of Jazz Fest, as well as access to the 'OZ hospitality tent. They're transferable, too, so they're a great deal to share amongst friends, family and co-workers.

» Buy Your Brass Pass now

» Read about all the Brass Pass benefits

Jazz Fest 2011 focuses on Haiti

In continued support of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, Jazz Fest is hosting the largest celebration of Haitian culture in the U.S. since the tragedy. With musicians like Wyclef Jean, Tabou Combo, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans, Emeline Michel, Djakout #1, DJA-Rara and Ti-Coca & Wanga Négès, as well as Vodou drumming performances, folk crafts demonstrations, and educational programming, Jazz Fest 2011 Haitian Village will bring a piece of Haiti to New Orleans.

» Learn more about Jazz Fest's Haitian Village 

Piano Night Auction

The 23rd annual WWOZ Piano Night is fast approaching. This highly anticipated event held at the legendary House of Blues includes an all-star lineup of great New Orleans artists and celebrations featuring the best of New Orleans culture: cuisine, artwork, and of course what we do best: music!

WWOZ and the New Orleans music community need your help in the continued support of the station. We are making a call for auctionable pieces, including music-inspired artwork and other special auction items.

Piano Night is an annual fundraiser for 'OZ with some of the best national and local pianists tickling the ivories on the Monday night between Jazz Fest weekends. The money raised from the event allows 'OZ to stay on the air, playing the music you love to hear.

» Learn more about Piano Night

WWOZ Farmers Market Community Stage

WWOZ has partnered with the French Market to help promote the new community stage in the Farmers Market on North Peters. With lots of fresh food, produce and every type of hot sauce imaginable, the Farmers Market is a fun place to spend the afternoon nibbling New Orleans delicacies.

Now on the first Saturday of every month, the Farmers Market will be hosting live music at the community stage. Featuring locals and some special out-of-towners, it gives both visitors to the Market and residents the chance to see some great live music. Find out more, and if you're a musician, learn how you can sign up.