This year’s event starts strong with high-energy performances from the Hip Hop and R&B ensembles. As described on Loyola’s website, “The night ignites with explosive sets from the Hip Hop and RnB Ensembles, bringing fresh beats, sharp lyricism, and an undeniable groove to the stage right out of the gate.”
This momentum will continue with six of Loyola’s popular and commercial music ensembles who will close out the show.
“These groups will debut newly recorded and soon-to-be-released music, spanning a vibrant spectrum of artistry—from Soul, Funk, and 90’s RnB to Dance, Disco/Boogie, and throwback Pop stylings.”
Loyola Professor and Music Business Studies Chair Jonathan McHugh stated, “It is an amazing thing that they get to feel, to be on a stage where so many legends have performed. You couldn’t ask for a better spot to perform and show what kind of game they have. They have the opportunity to perform in ensembles where they can work off of each other, use the band, and the band utilizes the artist to take their performance to the next level.”
Tipitinas is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2027, which makes this experience even more significant and noteworthy.
Students themselves describe the performance as both exciting and meaningful. Jayden Nelson (JAYSINGS), a sophomore in the Hip Hop and R&B Ensemble, reflected on the impact of performing on Tipitina’s stage.
“Performing at Tipitinas is really exciting, especially when you get all the adrenaline from the crowd and the atmosphere,” Nelson said. For instance, when I performed last semester, I was singing a challenging song but I felt encouraged by the crowd and their response when they saw me on stage, and after that I felt really proud of myself.”
For Nelson and many other students, the experience goes beyond the moment.
“Performing at Tipitinas is important to me because I feel I get to showcase what I’ve been working on all semester and I also get to practice my craft at an important venue that has given New Orleans so much history,” Nelson said.
For other students, Uptown Threauxdown marks both an ending and a celebration of growth. Vienna Notarianni, a junior Popular & Commercial Music major who has performed at the Uptown Threauxdown every year, sees this year’s show as especially meaningful.
“Since I am finished with my ensemble credits, and this is my last Tipitinas, it feels great to show my peers and teachers all the hard work I’ve been putting in. It’s extra special this semester because we’re performing all original music,” Notarianni said.
Notarianni also expresses how the experience has pushed her to be better as a musician.
“The disco ensemble was a particularly challenging experience for me, playing double keys with synth for the first time. It feels gratifying to stretch out of my comfort zone.”
Her reflection highlights one of the most important parts of the event. Not just to perform, but to grow as an artist.
Beyond performance, Uptown Threauxdown serves as a bridge between Loyola and the New Orleans music community. McHugh explained that this event is a great way to identify emerging talent.
“I see it almost like an A&R opportunity,” McHugh said. “It’s like going into a mini music festival – you get to see who is who and what type of game people have. I want to see what type of music people are making so that I can recommend them for the Studio A music library or for Howl Booking. It helps us support them, connect them, and even recommend them for future opportunities.”
The show features students of different ensembles, styles of music, and genres all coming together to make one cohesive show, just like a mini festival.
The connection to the real world is a big part of what makes this event important. In a city like New Orleans where music is a part of everyday life, students are constantly surrounded by opportunities to perform. Uptown Threauxdown helps encourage students to take that step. This event gives students the opportunity to get their name out into the city, network, showcase their talent, and more. Uptown Threauxdown shows the music community what Loyola offers. Students, faculty, parents, and the New Orleans community all come together to support Loyola artists.
Uptown Threauxdown is a celebration of student performance, hard work of the music community at Loyola, and of the music and culture that define New Orleans. It gives students the chance to showcase their talent and step in the spotlight, and for one night at Tipitinas, they get to do just that.
