NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The City of New Orleans is seeking qualified DJs to provide music services for the 2026 Mardi Gras parade season at the city’s official Mardi Gras stands at Gallier Hall.
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Through the Office of Cultural Economy, the city is accepting submissions from DJs interested in providing music services at Gallier Hall. DJs will be compensated in accordance with the city’s musician pay ordinance, which guarantees at least $200 per hour. Due to the city’s fiscal crisis, DJs will be paid through private donations. The Greater New Orleans Development Foundation is serving as the fiscal agent receiving donations from businesses and organizations and will directly fund DJs to perform at Gallier Hall. The city said more than $40,000 has been pledged to date, and any funds not used for Mardi Gras will be directed to fund musicians at other city events.
Selected DJs will curate and perform music that reflects the spirit of Mardi Gras and is appropriate to the event, audience and cultural setting while coordinating with city staff, event organizers, sound technicians and other vendors. DJs will also set up, operate and break down audio equipment as required.
Applicants must be legally eligible individuals or businesses authorized to operate in New Orleans, possess all required licenses and tax registrations, comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, and have no history of conduct that would make them unsuitable for public events, including safety violations or incidents involving discrimination or harassment.
The city said applicants should demonstrate experience providing DJ services for public, municipal or large community events, the ability to play family-friendly music for a diverse audience, and familiarity with culturally sensitive and appropriate programming. While primary audiovisual equipment will be provided, selected DJs will be required to bring their own laptop or hard drive, mixing board and microphone.
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Selected DJs are expected to arrive on time and fully prepared, be available to work a minimum of three hours per shift, maintain a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for city-sponsored events, and interact respectfully with attendees, city staff and the public.
Submissions must include a link to a three-minute (or longer) sample of work, contact information including an email address and cell phone number, and a list of parade days available to work. Submissions must be emailed to culturaleconomy@nola.gov with the subject line “Gallier Hall DJ Submission.”
The opportunity will be released to the public Wednesday, Jan. 28. All responses are due by Friday, Jan. 30, at noon CST. All applicants who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements will be ranked and entered into a lottery for selection, with notifications set for Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31. The city said all eligible submissions will be kept on record for future opportunities.
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“Music and creatives are at the heart of New Orleans’ identity,” Mayor Helena Moreno said. “I’m grateful for the partnership and community support that allow us to uplift our DJs and culture bearers through this collaboration, and to celebrate the 2026 Mardi Gras season together in a way that honors who we are as a city.”
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