Ted Hefko and The Thousandaires

Ted Hefko and The Thousandaires have been making big moves in 2026. A new album is in the works and their first single, I Don't Wanna Talk About It, has already been released as part of A Nola Protest Song Project, which also included Paul Faith, Dusky Waters and Burris. A second single, Little Green Car, will hit the airwaves and streaming services on Sept 26th, with more songs to follow every few weeks.

Saxophonist, guitarist and lead vocalist, Ted Hefko has been writing songs since the ripe old age of seven. His early influences include Chuck Berry, Lee Dorsey (via dad's reel to reel), Champion Jack Dupree on vinyl and cassettes of Rev. Gary Davis, and Lightnin' Hopkins. He attended UNO during the golden age of the Jazz Studies Department, studying with Ed Petersen, Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste and Steve Masakowski. In addition to his five critically acclaimed original albums, he has recorded with Warren Battiste, Lynn Drury, Blake Amos and The Melatauns. Ted had four songs featured in the award-winning documentary, The Man in The Red Beret, about New Orleans Chess great, Jude Acers. He has also appeared on Sesame Street, August Rush, 30 Rock.

The hard-working band includes, Alex Mallet (Papa Grows Funk, Dave, Jordan, Dana Abbott), Phil Breen (Russell Battiste, Samantha Fish), Justin Davi (Chris Thomas King, Renee Gros, The Bratz), Tiffany Pollack (Dean Zucchero, Russell Batiste, Tiffany Pollack & Co) and Aaron Walker (Gravy, Soul Project, Jamilton). Ted Hefko and The Thousandaries keep a robust schedule of solo, duo and full band performances across the Gulf Coast, including a roaring Monday night residency at Bamboula's on Frenchmen Street.