Revered drummer Nate Smith will gather a number of talented collaborators at New Orleans, LA’s Toulouse Theatre on Sunday, April 27th, 2025. In addition to his touring trio featuring multi-instrumentalist CARRTOONS on bass and keyboardist Kiefer, the New Orleans show will include special guest Eric Gales on guitar. Tickets for the performance—the first event to be announced from Live For Live Music’s 2025 Fest by Nite series—are now on sale here.

For nearly two decades, Nate Smith has been a key piece in reinvigorating the international music scene with his visceral, instinctive, and deep-rooted drumming style. His diverse and ample CV includes work with jazz luminaries like Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Chris Potter, José James, John Patitucci, Ravi Coltrane, Somi, and more. His debut album, 2017’s KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere, earned him a pair of Grammy Award nominations thanks to its forward-thinking modern jazz compositions mixed with elements of R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Other fans may know him best for his work with rocker Brittany Howard, or as the drummer in the Vulfpeck-adjacent speed-funk supergroup The Fearless Flyers. In recent years, through a series of viral videos, he has emerged as one of the most influential and popular drummers of his generation. His videos have been viewed millions of times and have inspired countless musicians and fans.

Related: How The Fearless Flyers Found Creativity In Specificity [Interview]

Smith’s bandmates for the show at Toulouse Theatre on 4/27 are no less distinguished in their respective fields. Both CARRTOONS and Kiefer are bandleaders in their own right, each with growing hordes of fans both online and IRL. Joining them as a special guest is yet another musician whose unique abilities have reached an enormous audience via viral videos, distinctive guitarist Eric Gales. Click below to get a taste of what’s to come in New Orleans with Nate Smith, CARRTOONS, and Kiefer’s respective NPR Tiny Desk Concerts and a thrilling clip of Gales performing a live medley of covers on guitar.

Tickets for Nate Smith ft. Kiefer & CARRTOONS with special guest Eric Gales at Toulouse Theatre in New Orleans on Sunday, April 27th are now on sale here. VIP tickets include VIP entry and access to the VIP balcony and bar. Scroll down for full show details.

Nate Smith + KINFOLK – NPR Tiny Desk Concert

CARRTOONS – NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Kiefer – NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Eric Gales – “Voodoo Child”/”Kashmir”/”Back in Black”/”Für Elise” – DIGF 2017
 

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This show is part of Live For Live Music and GMP Live’s Fest by Nite series in New Orleans during Jazz Fest. Confirmed 2025 events include:

 ***SHOW INFO***
Show: Nate Smith ft. Kiefer & Carrtoons, with special guest Eric Gales
Presented by: Live For Live Music & GMP Live
Date: Sunday, April 27th
Venue: Toulouse Theatre | 615 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA
Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.
Tickets (on sale now): GA Tier 1: $32.50 / GA Tier 2 & Day of Show: $36.00 / VIP: $75.00

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