Positive vibrations HeartBeat Award (Musician) Margie Perez

Margie Perez embodies what it means to be a working artist in New Orleans right now: she plays whenever possible, constantly expanding her reach with a variety of bands and collaborations.

- BRETT MILANO

Originally a songwriter working in a funk-rock vein, she’s branched into Latin and African music, embracing her roots while reflecting her hometown’s musical diversity. Through it she’s maintained the charm and positivity that makes her a joy to see onstage.

Currently, she can be seen as the frontwoman of Muevelo, a vibrant Latin band that plays monthly at the Ace Hotel; the band’s regular shows—which include free dance lessons beforehand—have become a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Her other regular gig, two Mondays monthly at 30/90, featured her regular solo band (the “funky boy band” as she calls them) and her own songs. She’s also in a couple of all-star lineups that play less regularly, including Afro-Cuban Sacred music band Moyuba, the West African themed Ensemble Fatien and the jam-band supergroup the M&M’s. Also rare, but unmissable, are appearances by N.O.B.A.B.E.—that would be the New Orleans Bad-Ass Bitch Experience—which features 16 of the city’s jazz and R&B women that had its inaugural show at Preservation Hall in 2018. More recently she’s been the featured singer on the local TV show, Spotlight New Orleans with John Calhoun, where she gets to provide musical intros for a wide array of guests.