It’s a big week in New Orleans with a free blues festival, a hometown arena concert by an underground rap duo and two shows by a legendary jazz-fusion band.

CRESCENT CITY BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, LAFAYETTE SQUARE

The free Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival takes over Lafayette Square downtown this weekend with a mix of local and touring blues-based acts. It’s one of the free events produced by the nonprofit New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation with proceeds from Jazz Fest.

The event eases into the weekend with a two-act sampler Friday. Powerhouse singer Sierra Green & the Giants open the festival at 5:30 p.m. Starting at 7 p.m., south Louisiana guitarist and singer Tab Benoit closes out opening day with his brand of blues 'n’ boogie.

On Saturday, the festival expands

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