This Saturday at 12:25PM at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival the DUKES will be recording their set for the second straight year to go straight to CD to be titled, "Live at 2015 New Orleans Jazz &…Read more

We had two great performances for the French Quarter Festival (Jackson Square stage) and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival (Economy Hall stage).  The later was broadcast by WWOZ live and recorded into a live CD entitled, "DUKES of… Read more

"I want you to know that your band was the highlight of my New Orleans visit!!" "I usually don't listen to Jazz music and I LOVE the DUKES!", "I haven't seen my dad smile so much in years...he is so…Read more

AHHH!!  Finally the nice weather is here!  This is perfect weather for a New Orleans visit!  Everyone is as happy as a freshly washed dog!  The buskers are out and revelers are tumbling into the street from club to club…Read more

Pete Fountain's Half-fast Walking Club

I feel fortunate to have performed over the years with legendary clarinetist Pete Fountain. My first concert was the mid 90's at the Riverfront Hilton where Pete had his showroom.  I remember the large, eager… Read more

The DUKES finished up a fantastic  tour of Florida last week with a quick one-nighter to University of Georgia in Athens. It was wonderful to be out on the road before starting back on the Natchez riverboat for 2014.   The…Read more

A large part of a successful performance is being prepared.  As with anything of significance, the quality of preparedness is what keeps you coming back.  I recently ate at a new jamaican restaurant for me that was highly recommended for…Read more

The DUKES have completed our new tunes for the VOODOO show and are having a blast performing them for our Natchez River Cruise guests!  The tunes are being well received!  We have also added a Dr John medley, Meters medley…Read more

The DUKES are entering 2014 and the 40th anniversary of the DUKES under John Shoup’s management.  We have prepared ten different shows that demonstrate the versatility and musicality of the band.  The current DUKES are quintessential New Orleans.  We have… Read more

ENGAGE.

The DUKES were on break discussing why, at times, we encounter a group that is less enthusiastic than our usual audience.  Is it demographics, attention, ignorance, complacency, what is currently trending?  Usually we can “read the crowd” so it…Read more

As the song goes, "  I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know, and I think to myself...what a wonderful world.  The DUKES have two new babies.  Scott's baby, Rex, at  just…Read more

The Holiday season is upon us in New Orleans. The city re-defines the 'big easy" as guests to the city decrease in numbers.  This is a lovely time to be in the city.  No crowds mean it's easy to book…Read more