Stories and songs from the Big Easy - live, intimate, and perfect for rural and smaller venues
"A Night in New Orleans" is a warm, atmospheric evening of songs and stories inspired by the music, myth, and human spirit of New Orleans. Performed by Steve Bonham (guitar, vocals) and Chris “The Bishop” Lydon (piano, vocals), the show blends well-known songs such as "Blueberry Hill", "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans", "St James Infirmary", and "Louisiana 1927" with vivid storytelling and original material.
It’s not a tribute act or a history lesson, but a relaxed, immersive night out full of humour, heart, and soul. Expect great music, engaging stories, and an evening that carries you somewhere else - and sends you home feeling lighter, connected, and glad you came.
Who will enjoy this show
Music lovers (jazz, blues, Americana)
Audiences who enjoy storytelling as well as songs
Folk club and acoustic audiences
Village hall and community arts audiences
Older audiences, but welcoming to all ages
People who like familiar songs with depth
Designed for rural venues
Duo: piano, guitar, vocals
Minimal tech
Fast get-in / get-out
Works in: Village halls, Libraries, Community spaces
Two performers
Self-contained sound for small to medium rooms
Flexible running time (typically 2 x 45 minutes with interval)
Can adapt to different room sizes
Ideal for rural touring networks and community promoters
Music you’ll recognise
Blueberry Hill
Walking to New Orleans
Let the Good Times Roll
St. James Infirmary
Go to the Mardi Gras
Louisiana 1927
Alongside original songs inspired by New Orleans
Think Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Randy Newman, and the Neville Brothers - familiar songs, told with stories.
Make an evening of it
A Night in New Orleans works beautifully as more than just a show.
If you’d like to turn it into a proper social evening, we’re happy to provide a simple New Orleans recipe - a gumbo or a jambalaya - that venues can share in advance or use on the night. Many rural venues like to combine the performance with a shared meal, interval food, or a relaxed bar offer, helping to create a welcoming, communal atmosphere.
We can also suggest a few simple New Orleans–inspired bar drinks that work well in village halls and small venues — nothing complicated, just familiar favourites with a local twist, such as:
bourbon or whiskey
rum and coke
a simple cocktail special for the night, if desired
It’s an easy way to encourage people to arrive early, stay longer, and enjoy the event together - just as the music was always meant to be.
Get in touch to book
A Night in New Orleans is available for rural touring dates, village halls, community venues, libraries, and small theatres.
If you’d like to discuss bringing the show to your venue - dates, practicalities, or how it might work for your local audience - just get in touch. We’re always happy to talk things through and keep arrangements straightforward.