Meschiya Lake and The Little Big Horns

Meschiya Lake and The Little Big Horns are a New Orleans-based jazz ensemble known for reviving the sassy, soulful sounds of early 20th-century jazz with a vintage flair. Fronted by Meschiya Lake’s powerhouse vocals—often compared to legends like Bessie Smith or Billie Holiday—the band blends Dixieland, swing, and cabaret vibes with a dash of punk-rock spirit. Formed in the late 2000s, they became fixtures of the city’s street music scene, earning local fame for their raucous live shows and appearances at festivals like Jazz Fest. Their music mixes original tunes (like “Bad Kids Club” and “Lucky Devil”) with reimagined jazz standards, all driven by punchy brass arrangements and Lake’s raw, charismatic stage presence.

The Little Big Horns’ style leans into New Orleans’ musical roots while adding playful modern twists, as heard on releases like *Foolers’ Gold* (2015) and *Lucky Devil* (2012). Meschiya, a former busker and circus performer, brings theatrical energy to their performances, cementing their reputation as keepers of the Crescent City’s jazzy soul. Though they’ve toured internationally, the band remains deeply tied to their hometown, embodying its gritty, celebratory spirit in every trumpet wail and growling vocal riff.

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