NOLAxNOLA Partners with Relix to Curate Second Annual NOLAxNOLA Talks

NOLAxNOLA and Relix have partnered for the second time to announce the NOLAxNOLA Talks music conference, happening October 2-3, 2025, at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The impending occasion will offer two free days of discussions and panels, centered on the Big Easy’s effervescent musical community, venues, artists, and cultural figures, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, October 3. 

Taking part in the conversation are speakers and moderators including Ben Jaffe (Creative Director, Preservation Hall), Tank Greenberg (Tipitina’s General Manager), Anwar Nasir (Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Creative Director), Pell (Producer/artist), Tom Russell (Founders Entertainment Co-Founder), Reid Martin (Co-Founder, MidCitizen), Pamela Blackmon (Programs Manager, Preservation Hall), Sig Greenebaum (Founder, NOLAxNOLA and Sigfest Events) and more. 

NOLAxNOLA Talks is a part of NOLAxNOLA’s NOLAxNoCover initiative, which offers free music and events to the public. This year, 90 free shows and seven conversations fill out the schedule, while simultaneously supporting the city’s infrastructure and deep musical traditions. See the full slate of events, descriptions, and panelists below. 

“NOLAxNOLA is focused on being a positive voice and advocate for New Orleans musicians, venues, creatives and cultural artists,” said Greenebaum. “We see NOLAxNOLA Talks as an opportunity to zero in on topics that will benefit the further growth of our local music industry and create new music industry career opportunities in New Orleans. Every topic, every conversation and every panelist is chosen with this goal in mind.”

For more information on NOLAxNOLA Talks, visit www.nolaxnola.com.  

View the impending schedule below. 

Thursday, October 2:

Protecting Fan Experience in Challenging Economic Times (2:30 – 3:30 PM):

Soaring ticket prices, rampant ticket scalping, expensive drinks – attending a live event can be a challenge. And yet, nationally, the concert business is bringing in more than ever. How are artists, venues and festivals finding ways to engage their fans and customers that acknowledge their fandom, secure their longtime support and get them coming back for more? 

Panelists: Brian “Tank” Greenberg (Tipitina’s General Manager, Tipitina’s Record Club / Free Friday’s), Micah Burns (owner of Gasa Gasa & No Dice/ Breezys Patio Bar), Ben Jaffe (Creative Director & musician, Preservation Hall) and Jason (OBX).

A Penny for Your Thoughts: Financial Wisdom & Insight for Today’s Touring Musicians (3:45 – 4:45 PM): 

Despite all the headlines about sold-out shows, IPOs and stock prices, and millions, if not billions, of dollars being spent on new venues, the reality of making a living as an artist, venue or festival is as precarious as it’s ever been. Our panelists share insights, wisdom and experiences from the front lines to help provide guidance on how best to navigate the economic challenges of being part of the live entertainment sector.  

Panelists: Reid Martin (Co-Founder MidCitizen), Tom Russell (Founders Entertainment), Pell (Artist Producer) and  Andrew Pancamo (PSB Management). 

Grammy Street – What Makes New Orleans So Award-Worthy? (5:00 – 6:00 PM): 

Over the past decade, New Orleans has become home to a number of Grammy Award-winning albums and artists. While it’s no surprise the city is brimming with top talent, the fact that the Recording Academy and its members seem to hold a special place for New Orleans-derived music has fostered an environment of creativity and drive that continues to New Orleans routinely being considered for music’s most prestigious award. Hearing from previous Grammy winners, this panel explores the unique nature of the city and why it seems to foster so many award-level artists.

Panelists: Anwar Nasir (Creative Director, LPO, Grammy Winner), Jamison Ross (Singer, Song Writer, Drummer, Producer, Grammy Winner, multi Grammy Nominations), Craig Klein (Trombone, Preservation Hall) and Ari Teitel (Guitarist, The Rumble, Grammy Nominated). 

Moderator: Howie Kaplan – Rebirth Brass Band Management, Grammy Winner.

Friday, October 3:

Idea Village Metronome Pitch Day (11:30 – 1:00 PM): 

This pitch event will feature eight local founders focused on developing music industry platforms and businesses.

Keepers of the Flame: Are Traditional Forms of Music at Risk? (1:15-2:15 PM):

As older generations of musicians age out of performing from musically rich areas like New Orleans, other areas of the South and Native American tribal lands, a younger generation musicians are leveraging digital technology and social media to help preserve and ideally expand the distinctly analog forms of music their performing by creating engaging content for newer, broader audiences.

Panelists: Emily Madero (French Quarter Festivals), Chief Dr. Gerald Paige, Nate Cameron (Them People Production & glbl wrmng) and Aurelien Barnes (Cha Wa).

Moderator: Soul Stu (WWOZ radio).

Beyond the Music: Managing Hospitality & Venue Vibes (2:30 – 3:30 PM):

While the music being presented onstage is the motivating factor why someone walks through a venue’s doors, the experience within plays a factor in how someone experiences a show. Great bartenders, dirty bathrooms, friendly security, overpriced food and bad sightlines are factors that venue operators have to navigate with varying degrees of agency. Here we look inside what venues are doing, with what they have, to make the show experience a memorable one in the best ways possible.

Panelists: Pamela Blackmon (Preservation Hall), Abby Jones (ASM / Legends), Anny Ayers (Brooklyn Bowl) and LayNasha Sallis (City Winery Atl, Pitt, StL).