Published August 6th, 2026:
If you are a student of music history, and especially American music, you would know that music’s biggest "shock to the system" over the past 200 or so years was the advent of the blues, and its not-too-distant cousin, jazz. At the heart of jazz music was New Orleans, an always vibrant city with never-ending celebration, and a culture built around its people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Without the contributions of New Orleans natives Buddy Bolden, King Oliver, Kid Ory, Louis Prima, and, of course, the mighty Louis Armstrong, our understanding of popular music would be completely different, and your favorite artists might not even exist!
So if you weren’t born in the 19th century, does that mean that you can’t experience the same grandeur, power, and infectious spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz music as it was first played over a century ago? Absolutely not! One such living New Orleans legend is the effervescent supreme talent, Glen David Andrews. Born and raised in the historic Treme neighborhood, the cultural cradle of New Orleans jazz music, Glen stood out from an early age for his commanding stage presence, powerful vocals, and modern musical sensibilities, while still remaining true to his deep roots in New Orleans music. As bandleader of the Glen David Andrews Band, Glen and the band perform across the globe in street parades, festivals, and concert venues, and they have an uncanny ability to consistently deliver high-powered and authentic performances, always including improvisation and audience participation. Glen and his band serve up classic brass band standards, spirituals, funk grooves, jazz, and soul music for all in attendance to jump and jive with.
Why do I bring this up? Because right around the corner — on Friday, August 14th to be exact — Glen David Andrews and his New Orleans jazz band will be performing at the Ruth Gordon Amphitheater in Quincy, MA! If you haven’t already heard about the “Friends Fridays” summer shows at this iconic outdoor amphitheater, it may come as a shock to you that admission and parking are completely free! On top of that, there are also some exceptional food and drink vendors on-site! Break Rock Brewing, Black's Creek BBQ, Ruta Jalisco Mexican street food, Smiles by the Mile Ice Cream, and Gal Pal Goodies will all be at the show — and word has it that Black’s Creek BBQ owner, Lorenzo Bennett, is adding something decidedly “New Orleans” to his menu in honor of Glen! The concert will begin at 6 PM, but it’s always a good idea to arrive early to get the best parking and seats (or “lawn spots,” as the case may be)! If you are interested in attending this or other concerts at Ruth Gordon Amphitheater, visit “friendsofrga.org” for the full schedule and links to their social media and blog.
Bandleader Glen David Andrews - New Orleans jazz performer