Culture, Events, & Music Events

Empire of the Sun Brings ‘Kaleidoscopic Dreamworld’ to New Orleans on October 6

Empire of the Sun New Orleans

On Monday, October 6, Empire of the Sun will bring their otherworldly live show to the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans. Get tickets here.


One of Australia’s most visionary music projects, Empire of the Sun was born from the collaboration between Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. Over the past decade and a half, the duo has built a reputation for blending shimmering electronic pop with a theatrical, dreamlike stage presence. At the center of it all is Steele, whose costumes and visuals transform each performance into a surreal, multisensory experience.

Since the release of their 2008 debut Walking on a Dream, the group has left a global imprint with songs like “Walking on a Dream” and “We Are the People.” Their follow-up albums Ice on the Dune (2013) and Two Vines (2016) expanded their catalog with fan favorites including “Alive,” “DNA,” and “High and Low.” After an eight-year hiatus, Empire of the Sun returned in 2024 with their fourth record, Ask That God. Singles such as “Changes,” “Music on the Radio,” and “Cherry Blossom” showcase the band’s signature euphoric sound while exploring new sonic territory.

The project’s return has been accompanied by a sweeping international tour, with sold-out shows across North America and Europe. This year has also seen them appear at high-profile festivals including Rock en Seine, Lollapalooza Brazil, Estéreo Picnic, and Electric Avenue, further cementing their reputation as one of the most transportive live acts on the circuit.

For New Orleans, the show finds a fitting home at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, a historic venue nestled in Louis Armstrong Park. Known for hosting a broad spectrum of performances, from opera and Broadway to modern music, the theater offers an intimate yet grand setting for a band as visually and sonically immersive as Empire of the Sun.

With more than 5.5 million albums sold, billions of streams, and multiple ARIA and APRA awards, Empire of the Sun’s legacy is undeniable. Their upcoming performance in New Orleans offers local fans a rare chance to step into the project’s kaleidoscopic universe — one where music, art, and spectacle collide.

Empire of the Sun New Orleans

Get tickets to Empire of the Sun in New Orleans

New Orleans mystic with a love for love. Writer, yogi, explorer, tune chaser. A wild haired moon child just trying to figure it out. Find me @thelocalmystic and at www.thelocalmystic.com

× INSIDER

Join The Beat: Your Backstage Pass to the Hottest Music, Events, Culture, and Insider Access.

You’re officially in!

Expect ticket drops, insider access, and all the latest River Beats Dance vibes straight to your inbox and phone.