Today, we return to the headphones once again. Aura Fedora of local podcast Backstage on the Bayou catches up with a New Orleans R&B singer you may not have heard yet. But, you will. Mercury Records artist Luke James talks about coming up in the Crescent City, guesting on a Beyonce video and touring with Robin Thicke.

Mystikal and Lil Wayne served time recently in different prisons, but apparently they've found kinship in their solitary time. Or, Mystikal just wanted in on the Cash Money. Weezy turns in a guest appearance on Mystikal's comeback album, and bounce-to-riches icon DJ Mannie Fresh is doing production. The man born Michael Tyler tells MTV he'd like to get some other local talent on the record, including the Nevilles and Trombone Shorty. In a first for the lightning quick rapper who served six years, the album will also include a reflective side.

Sure, we sent them the horns and the swing. The funk and the kings (of the street). But this year, NOLA exported some seriously diverse music from the provinces to the nation.

We admit that we've been on sort of a Rebennack kick lately, but who can resist the guy? Yesterday, the man known as Dr. John got the nod into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, enshrining his name alongside the legends. As it should be! So how does Mr. Right Place, Wrong Time respond when asked about the moment by Rolling Stone? "So does this mean that I'm going to get duct-taped to the walls of the Hall of Fame?" That's our boy!

TREME - Ernie K-Doe said, “After I’m gone, there will be no other." The same can be said about the bar that was named for his hit single, “Mother-In-Law.”

The Lounge's doors have been shut since March, when a car crashed into the front of the building for the sixth time in the mural-heavy N. Claiborne Ave. landmark's 16-year history. Despite the plywood covering the front door, current owner Betty Fox told NoDef she kept the building open -- until this weekend.

MARIGNY - Every Monday night, New Orleanians of an old-time persuasion gather in song circle at  the Hi-Ho Lounge for an evenin' of strummin' and harmonizin'.

Finally, news about something you think about day and night. Two of the city's best places to feel like you're a real local (read: getting drunk, listening to brass bands, and being around quirky people saying ridiculous stuff) have undergone serious changes in the last month. Donna's Bar and Grill, the last surviving club with live music on N. Rampart St., shut down August 21, taking with it a key venue for up-and-coming downtown brass talent to hone their skills amidst the big boys. Uptown (sorry, in the Irish Channel), the owners of St. Patrick's Day epicenter and po-boy gold-spinner Parasol's sold the bar to a dude from Florida, and moved to a spot on Magazine Street. The new Parasol's owner said he bought the bar to get his lady to move back to town. Let's hope she doesn't want a change in the roast beef recipe!

Let the Queen bring a little levity to the proceedings. Taking the national media's mind off of a certain anniversary for at least one segment, Irma Thomas got the full NPR treatment earlier this week. Miss Irma's chutes-and-ladders career saga and inimitable singing style are all on full display during the piece, reiterating to Melissa Block's news-hungry psyche that there's more to the fabric of the city than piecing things together after major disasters. As an added bonus, they interviewed Allen Toussaint.

Let the Queen bring a little levity to the proceedings. Taking the national media's mind off of a certain anniversary for at least one segment, Irma Thomas got the full NPR treatment earlier this week. Miss Irma's chutes-and-ladders career saga and inimitable singing style are all on full display during the piece, reiterating to Melissa Block's news-hungry psyche that there's more to the fabric of the city than piecing things together after major disasters. As an added bonus, they interviewed Allen Toussaint.

If you feel out of the loop because of the intrinsic word-of-mouthiness in the Treme/7th Ward music scene, tonight's a good night to feel like you finally got clued in. A new combo featuring old brass luminaries is debuting at the Candlelight Lounge tonight at 7, and they're actually advertising it on the Internet! The group is made up of Treme Brass Band trumpeter Kenneth Terry, and Rebirth Brass Band trombonist Revert "Peanut" Andrews (note the Andrews). They'll be anchored by longtime Dirty Dozen Brass Band sousaphonist Julius McKee, and an unannounced pianist and drummer playing a full trap set. If you haven't been to the Candlelight Lounge yet, just go. Uncle Lionel told you so.