Cool Cool Cool made a new addition to the pantheon of late-night shows in New Orleans during Jazz Fest with the premiere of its Express Yourself tribute to Madonna. Debuting at the Toulouse Theatre on the first Friday of Jazz Fest (April 25th), the lively cover set included percussionist Jason Hann (The String Cheese Incident) and vocalist Elise Testone.

Cool Cool Cool—comprised of Shira Elias (vocals), Sammi Garett (vocals), Chris Brouwers (trumpet, keys), Greg Sanderson (saxophones), Craig Brodhead (guitar, keys), Deion Williams (drums), and Miles Livolsi (bass)—has plenty of experience inhabiting the songbooks of iconic artists, often participating in Fest by Nite tributes to everyone from Prince to Steely Dan and beyond during spring trips to the Crescent City. With its tribute to Madonna, Cool Cool Cool embraced its more pop-friendly elements and put centerpiece vocalists Shira and Sammi in the spotlight, with the prominent addition of Elise.

The Express Yourself tribute explored the global pop icon’s expansive catalog from mega hits “Material Girl”, “Papa Don’t Preach”, “Vogue”, and “Like A Virgin” to deeper cuts “Ray of Light”, “Lucky Star”, and a Bedtime Stories (1994) pairing of “Human Nature” > “Secret”. With CCC’s extensive lineup of seasoned musicians, the band and its guests were able to emulate the lush studio recordings that propelled Madonna to superstardom. Naturally, the extended ensemble closed the evening with the titular “Express Yourself”, ushering in the first weekend of Jazz Fest and serving as a welcome party for many visiting revellers.

Check out a gallery of photographer Jay Strausser‘s images from the Cool Cool Cool Express Yourself tribute to Madonna featuring Jason Hann and Elise Testone.

 

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Setlist: A Tribute To Madonna – Express Yourself | Toulouse Theatre | New Orleans, LA | 4/25/25

Set: Into the Groove, Material Girl > Dress You Up, Borderline, Papa Don’t Preach > Like A Virgin > Hung Up, Lucky Star, La Isla Bonita > Open Your Heart, Beautiful Stranger, Human Nature > Secret, Vogue, Holiday, Frozen > Ray of Light, Music, Take a Bow, Like a Prayer
Encore: Express Yourself