Thursday night will mark a new era on Canal Street when The Joy Theater reopens on December 29th, led by a string of shows and starting with Irma Thomas and Lance Ellis. The following night Cyril Neville’s Tribe 13 and Soul Rebels Brass Band will play and Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers will perform on New Years Eve. For more info on upcoming shows at the Joy in 2012, visit and like the theater’s facebook page by going here. On the slate for January includes shows with Cowboy Mouth, Little River Band and Percy Sledge to help kick things into gear in the new year. Excited to finally see the inside of the newly refurbished digs and we’ll have photo coverage of opening night shortly after the New Year.