Executive Producer Mike Jason Talks Tipitina’s
Dear Big Easy cruisers,
The cruise is getting closer and closer and of all the events we have planned, I’m really looking forward to our exclusive shows by Galactic ft. Jelly Joseph at Tipitina’s.
On one of our first planning trips to New Orleans, we met with some members of Galactic, the iconic New Orleans-based jam band, and they suggested we come to the famed venue Tipitina's for a private show while we visited New Orleans. We jumped at the chance to see one of our favorite bands but also to visit a New Orleans landmark.
This year we will once again be visiting New Orleans, arriving at about 5PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 and we have arranged for our guests to see either the first Galactic show featuring Jelly Joseph, at TIME (tentative timing) or the later show at TIME at Tips. Both shows are private, exclusive shows for our Big Easy cruisers only, with StarVista Live providing bus transportation to and from Tips and the private show at no charge.
We accommodated guest choices as to which show they preferred as much as possible but both shows will be great, and our guests will also be able to take one of our buses back in time to see Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue perform onboard (tent. Scheduled for two shows, one at a TIME and the second at TIME). For anyone so inclined, you are free to enjoy New Orleans the rest of the evening. The ship and your cabin will await your return however late you make the night.
It will be an incredible night of music, but we will also be in New Orleans the entire next day leaving at 5pm on January 21st, so plenty of time to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Please note that we expect to start the shows as indicated but slight changes might be made.
We have a handful of cabins remaining so invite your friends and loved ones.
See you onboard!
A bit about Tipitinas: Opened on January 14, 1977, the name was inspired by a well-known song, "Tipitina", by Professor Longhair who also performed there until his death in 1980. Before adopting use of "Tipitina's" as its name, the facility was known as "The 501 Club," in reference to its street address (501 Napoleon Avenue). Tipitina's stands as one of the best-known clubs in New Orleans. The building itself was constructed in 1912, and prior to becoming Tipitina's, it served as a gambling house, gymnasium, and brothel. Owned now by the members of Galactic who purchased Tips in late 2018. Galactic formed the Tip-It Foundation, after purchasing the club. The Tip-It Foundation's mission is to support and promote the future of the Gulf South's music, culture and heritage via the Tipitina's venue and brand.
- Mike Jason, Executive Producer