Lenny Zenith is a pioneering voice rooted firmly in the heart of New Orleans.
Lenny has performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival ten times both solo and with his bands RZA, Pop Combo and the Lenny Zenith band.
A NOCCA alum whose early performances at Jimmy’s, Jed’s, Dream Palace, and major festivals alongside U2, Iggy Pop, and The Meters propelled him into the city’s post-punk tapestry. Zenith later transposed his stage to New York—without ever cutting ties to New Orleans.
In 2020, Lenny released Blue Velvet Traces, a collection of his songs performed by his New Orleans bands RZA & Pop Combo, entirely recorded at Blue Velvet NOLA studio.
His October 2024 album, He/Hymn—a gender-aware title and a sprawling blend of cinematic indie pop, Americana, and intimate balladry—continues his journey of self-discovery and sonic growth.
Remotely assembled during the pandemic lockdown, the album unmistakably bears the soul of New Orleans: guitar tracks for several songs were recorded at Blue Velvet Studios in NOLA, and feature Leonard Cohen’s drummer, Rafael Gayol, Jimmy Robinson (Woodenhead) and Alison Young (Song Dogs) among others. It was mastered by Grammy award winner Emerson Mancini (Jon Batiste, Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo) and received critical acclaim.
Lenny has always remained deeply connected to the city’s musical family, working with New Orleans musicians including: Carlo Nuccio (RIP), Jimmy Robinson and Paul Clement (Woodenhead), Alison Young (Song Dogs), Mary Lasseigne (Susan Cowsill), John Magnie, Amasa Miller, Holley Bendtsen, Joe Cabral, Scott Frock, Rick Nick and Steven Fisher—some of whom played and recorded with him in his formative 1980s bands RZA and Pop Combo.
Lenny’s triumphant permanent return to his beloved hometown is beautifully encapsulated in the single “Always In My Heart (New Orleans Is My Home)”, released May 12, 2023 (feat. John Magnie, Holley Bendtsen, Paul Clement, Amasa Miller, Michael Skinkus and Alison Young)—a heartfelt ode that spotlights his love of the city and its legendary musicians, while supporting the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.
He and his current band retain the eclectic and electric energy of his earliest New Orleans performances—those sweaty, raucous nights—as in 2025, the group played to packed rooms at Tipitina’s, and Jimmy’s (for its grand reopening) and BJ’s Lounge.
For the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Lenny Zenith offers both historical resonance and fresh creativity: a beloved local icon who returns with new work that bridges his trans identity, New Orleans loyalty, and ever-evolving artistry.
There are plenty of live videos of Lenny’s performances on YouTube as well as official music videos. Here is one of his return to New Orleans in 2025 at Tipitina’s.