World Cafe Comes the the Crescent City

The radio show "World Cafe" with David Dye will focus on New Orleans this week, starting today with a tuba summit at Preservation Hall with Ben Jaffe, Kirk Joseph and Philip Frazier. The week is part the show's "Sense of Place" series, and will feature Trombone Shorty on Tuesday, Ani DiFranco, the Roots of Music and Hurray for the Riff Raff Wednesday, the Treme on Thursday, and Dr. John shows New Orleans' spiritual side on Friday.

Hurray for the Riff Raff

Unfortunately, local NPR affiliate WWNO doesn't air "World Cafe," so you'll have to listen online at NPR.org.

Louisiana at SXSW Today

Today there's a day party at the Historic Victory Grill hosted by NOLASoul starting at 11 a.m. with the Prince-meets-space rock-meets-indie rock of the White Bitch. Also in the day, power pop with MyNameIsJonMichael (who just finished a year of recording a song a week) and Rotary Downs (they play at 5:45). Rotary Downs (who are finally outgrowing Pavement comparisons that have hung around too long) also play at 3:30 at Habana Calle on 6th Street.

In official showcases, the street band from days of yore Hurray for the Riff Raff play the Central Presbyterian Church at 10. At the same time, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet makes its SXSW debut 30+ years into their career at 10 tonight at the Continental Club, followed at 11 by the Iguanas.