Medeski, Martin & Wood Confirm 2027 North American Show

Medeski Martin & Wood, the acclaimed jazz-funk trio, have revealed plans for a singular North American performance in 2027, marking a significant moment for fans after years of sparse activity. The band will headline an exclusive concert at The Orpheum Theater in New Orleans on Friday, April 23, coinciding with the opening weekend of the illustrious New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

This upcoming show stands as the group’s only confirmed date on the continent for 2027, underscoring its uniqueness in their performance calendar. Tickets will be made available in two phases: a presale for artists beginning Wednesday, October 21, followed by general public sales starting Friday, October 23, both at 10 a.m. local time.

New Orleans holds a profound place in the trio’s history and musical journey. The city was instrumental in their early career breakthroughs, notably through the support of Jonathan Mayers, a pivotal figure in the music industry and co-founder of Superfly. Mayers, who passed away in 2025, was responsible for inviting the band to perform in New Orleans as early as 1996, an experience that the band fondly recalls and credits with deepening their bond with the city.

Over the subsequent decades, Medeski Martin & Wood cultivated a rich history of live performances in New Orleans, sharing the stage with numerous musical legends and fostering a community of artistic exchange within the city’s vibrant scene. This forthcoming concert serves as both a tribute to that legacy and a rekindling of their connection to a city integral to their evolution.

The band's activities have been notably limited over the past ten years, with live appearances generally confined to festival stages or collaborative events. Their most recent North American engagement prior to this announcement was a single set at Brooklyn Comes Alive in 2022. In 2023, they reunited briefly for two shows aboard the Jam Cruise and also played at the Seoul Jazz Festival in South Korea, highlighting their selective but impactful live presence.

Alongside the concert news, Medeski Martin & Wood are commemorating the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Shack-man. Released originally on October 15, 1996, through Gramavision, Shack-man is celebrated for its innovative sound and the unique environment in which it was created—a remote, self-built studio nestled in the Hawaiian jungle, affectionately called The Shack.

To honor this milestone, the album is being reissued on a limited-edition fluorescent green vinyl by Real Gone Records. Shack-man remains one of the band’s most iconic projects, emblematic of their experimental approach and enduring influence within the jazz and funk spheres.

The announcement of the 2027 New Orleans show, coupled with the album reissue, signals a renewed phase for Medeski Martin & Wood, offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness their live artistry and celebrate their storied past. While details about further tours or additional dates remain limited, this event provides a glimpse into the band’s ongoing relevance and dedication to their craft.

Medeski Martin & Wood’s selective return to the stage after a lengthy hiatus highlights their ongoing commitment to meaningful performances rather than frequent touring. Their choice of New Orleans for this exclusive event not only honors their history but also reaffirms the city’s status as a vital hub for jazz and related genres.

Fans and newcomers alike can anticipate an evening that encapsulates the trio’s dynamic interplay and genre-defying sound, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most culturally rich music cities. As the 2027 show approaches, anticipation will likely build for what promises to be a memorable highlight in the band’s evolving narrative.