PJ Morton, Comedian Mark Normand, Tom Petty Tribute: Thanksgiving Weekend Entertainment | Keith Spera

Entertainment options in New Orleans over Thanksgiving weekend include a hometown musician and comedian headlining the Orpheum Theater on consecutive nights.

PJ MORTON

FRIDAY, ORPHEUM THEATER

PJ Morton had another big year in 2024. In addition to his “day job” as keyboardist with Maroon 5, the St. Augustine High School graduate released his own “Cape Town to Cairo,” which he recorded during a “transformative” 30-day trip through Africa. He also wrote and recorded “Special Spice,” the theme song for the New Orleans-themed Disney World attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. And this month, Worthy Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, published Morton’s memoir, “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning.” In it, he recounts the challenges of growing up in the gospel field as the son of one of New Orleans’ most prominent preachers and pursuing his dream of playing contemporary R&B, soul and pop music. In a tradition that has become Black Friday, Morton plays a show in his hometown the night after Thanksgiving. This year he is taking over the Orpheum Theater. Tickets start at $35 plus service fees.

MARK NORMAND

SATURDAY, ORPHEUM THEATER

Mark Normand was born and raised in New Orleans. Mark Normand’s career as a stand-up comedian and podcaster is steadily rising. A graduate of De La Salle High School, Normand moved to New York after college. His humor is autobiographical and observational; On late-night talk shows, he talks in detail about his childhood as a bedwetter and his more recent experiences with therapy and relationships. In 2020, his self-released special “Out To Lunch” received more than 12 million views on YouTube. He appeared in several Comedy Central specials and in the third season of the Netflix special The Stand Ups. His 2023 Netflix special “Soup To Nuts” was a staple on streaming services. In addition to his stand-up comedy, he hosts the podcasts “Tuesdays With Stories” and “We Might Be Drunk.” His “Ya Don’t Say Tour” stops in his hometown at the Orpheum Theater on Saturday. Tickets start at $35 plus fees.

OTHER NOTABLE SHOWS

THURSDAY

Need to dance some of this Thanksgiving turkey? Accordionist and singer Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie will be featured at Rock ‘N’ Bowl’s weekly Zydeco Night ($15).

FRIDAY

Tipitina presents on Black Friday “Temps Petit: A NOLA Tribute to Tom Petty” with Zita Show opens at 9 p.m. ($18).

Local cover band Big in the 90s hosts a “Ladies Night” celebration featuring acts from the 1990s hosted by women, including Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, TLC, Sheryl Crow and Britney Spears. Local singers Debbie Davis, Kimberly Kaye, Julie Elody And Emelie Guidry will help bring the songs to life. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, plus fees.

Jason Marsalis leads his Vibes Quartet at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Frenchmen Street for shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($35).

The Bucktown Allstars Enjoy hard-hitting rock and soul favorites at Rock ‘N’ Bowl ($15).

By Chickie Wah Wah, singer Anais St John is supported by Daniel Meinecke, Brian Quezerque, Doug Belote And Brent Rose ($20 in advance, $27 at the door, plus fees).

SATURDAY

Rock’n’Soul singer Maggie Korner Headlines Tipitina’s; Gabrielle Cavassa x Lex Machine And AJ Haynes are also on the bill ($22).

Mahmoud “Mood” Choukithe Moroccan-born, New Orleans-based master guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator plays shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor ($35).

The Led Zeppelin cover band Mothership lands at Rock ‘N’ Bowl ($15).

The band Bird fingers Hits Chickie Wah Wah ($20 advance, $27 general admission, plus fees).

SUNDAY

The first of two consecutive Sunday mornings takes place on the outdoor Broadside “BreakFest” a culinary and musical event. Doors open this Sunday at 9am with free coffee from HEY Coffee Co. The Radio Bird String Quartet accompanies a yoga class at 9:30 a.m. Music begins at 10:30 a.m. with singer-songwriter Kristin Diable. Next up is saxophonist Preservation Hall, in his 90s Charlie Gabrielaccompanied by the guitarist Joshua Starkman. Keyboard player Jon Cleary takes over at 1:20 p.m. Vendors include Flour Moon bagels with schmear, Paw Paw’s donuts and breakfast sandwiches, and Waska’s breakfast arepas. Early bird tickets are $25; Children under 15 have free entry.

Following “BreakFest” on Sunday morning/afternoon at Broadside, New Orleans-based tribute band Joy Division played Subdivision takes over the Broadside stage from 6:30 to 8 p.m. ($10 plus fees).

Jaco Pastorius was one of the most influential electric bassists of all time. Pat Casey is one of those bassists whose playing was heavily influenced by Pastorius’ style. Casey and drummer Ricky Sebastianwho spent time playing with Pastorius in New York, repeat their Jaco tribute at Snug Harbor at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. ($25).

The Sprinter Tour stops at Chickie Wah Wah Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists, Johnny Manchild, Karma And The Killjoys ($18 plus fees).

MONDAY

Screamfest NOLA and Timecode are hosting a 40th anniversary screening of the film “Gremlins” at Broadside, which also includes a question-and-answer and autograph session with Star Zach Galligan ($15 plus fees).

The Charmaine Neville Band holds court at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($25).

TUESDAY

The “Holiday Ho!” Ho!” There is a “Heart-Hop” hip-hop artist at Tipitina’s Ekoh Plus Ryan Oakes And Lvvrs. Thanks to the involvement of radio station ALT 92.3, tickets start at $9.23.

Local jazz saxophonist Connor Stewart performs as a quartet at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($20).

WEDNESDAY

It’s a “blues evening” at Chickie Wah Wah with a guitarist Chris Duartes Band and a solo set by a harmonica player and accordionist Johnny Sansone ($20).

trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra Check out Snug Harbor ($40).