Papa Lebas & Gumbo Ya Ya makes their majickal return to the Rams Head On Stage to celebrate multiple album releases, beginning with the band’s debut album, Naptown to NOLA, which will be available for the first time on vinyl. In addition, three band members have recent albums: New Orleans piano master and Kenny Wayne Shepherd sideman Joe Krown’s Qualified, International Zydeco Ambassador Corey Arceneaux’s Accordion Man, and multi-reed instrumentalist Seth Kibel’s Clarinet Without a Net. But the celebrations don’t end there, as every Papa performance is a party.

Led by songwriter, producer, guitarist, and bassist Jeff Muller (aka Papa Lebas), the project is a New Orleans-inspired earthy gumbo of funk, R&B, jazz, blues, zydeco, Cajun, brass band, and more—and a love letter to the power of community. Papa Lebas & Gumbo Ya Ya was launched last year with the album Naptown to NOLA which features 63 performers from Louisiana and the DMV including Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr., Bill Summers, Joe Krown, Chubby Carrier, Tommy Malone, Ron Holloway, Tommy Lepson, Deacon John, Doug Woolverton, Leroy Jones, and many more.

This one-night-only show features a high-powered band of all star performers at the top of their game bringing the songs from the albums, along with other New Orleans gems, to life. Joe Krown is making the trip up from New Orleans for the show, joining some of the DMV’s finest and favorite musicians: Louisiana native Corey Arceneaux, Rahsaan “Wordslave” Eldridge (Honest Lee Soul, Fess & His Sons), Meg Murray (Songbird Collective, Cyphers Band), Shari Puorto (Shari Puorto Band, Blues Women Experience), Doug Woolverton (Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Beginnings), Seth Kibel (Daryl Davis Band, Seth Kibel Band), Chris Watling (The Grandsons, King Soul), Noah Pierre (Noah Pierre Band), Matt Tebo (Shari Puorto Band, Fess & His Sons), and Bart Reese (Cyphers Band)—plus the Naptown Brass Band and perhaps a special guest or two.
Come out, join the party, and let your spirit soar!