Helen Gillet is an acclaimed cellist, singer, composer, producer, and live-looping artist known for her eclectic, multicultural sound that blends jazz, french chansons, funk, rock, and avant-garde styles, earning her “Rising star” nominations in downbeat magazine, and multiple awards from Offbeat Magazine and Gambit Big Easy in New Orleans. She conjures a her unique blend of layered cello with a true mastery of live looping technique and bilingual singing in a soulful alto voice earning her the tag line: “The Whirling Dervish of the Cello.” Gillet was born in Belgium, raised in Singapore, Chicago, and Wisconsin prior to her arrival to New Orleans in 2002, where she flourished into one of the most unique, talented, and beloved artists in the crescent city. She’s known for her eclectic palette – which includes avant-garde jazz, french chansons, funk, alternative rock, and bohemian flair of the velvet underground.  She currently splits her time between her main home in New Orleans, summer cabin upstate NY and touring the world with her solo show and frequent musical collaborations. 

Olivia Perillo 2022-Helen Gillet_OP 11
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UPCOMING SHOWS

Date City Venue Country
04/19/26 Helen Gillet: Rebelle Musique New Orleans French Quarter Festival United States
Time: 3:10pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: French Quarter. Esplanade in the Shade Stage (Old US MINT – Jazz Museum)
04/21/26 Helen Gillet Looping Class New Orleans, LA Cafe Istanbul United States
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $20-30 sliding scale. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 2372 ST CLAUDE AVE,. Demonstration & Q&A 8pm followed by participation and group lesson Cash or Venmo at door Bring instruments**
04/25/26 Helen Gillet + Nikki Glaspie New Orleans The New Marigny Theatre United States
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $25. Age restrictions: No Minors. Address: 2301 Marais Street. Buy Tickets
04/27/26 Helen Gillet New Orleans Constantinople Porch / Uptown United States
Time: 6:00pm. Age restrictions: No Minors. Address: 1201 Constantinople.
04/28/26 Helen Gillet solo show New Orleans Hotel Peter and Paul Church United States
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $20-25. Age restrictions: All Ages. Venmo or cash at door 7:30pm CENTRAL STANDARD TIME Music at 8pm
04/29/26 Helen Gillet New Orleans, LA The Broadside United States
Time: 8:00pm. Age restrictions: No Minors. Address: 600 N Broad St.. CHAZ FEST!
04/30/26 Helen Gillet New Orleans New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival United States
Age restrictions: No Minors. Address: Fairgrounds. Lagniappe Stage
05/04/26 Helen Gillet + Phoebe Vlassis New Orleans, LA Cafe Istanbul United States
Time: 7:30pm. Admission: $20-25. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 2372 ST CLAUDE AVE,. Venmo or Cash at door Performance followed by Looping Demonstration, Q&A
First Thursday Series November 2025 – May 2026 New Orleans
05/07/26 Helen Gillet New Orleans, LA Tigermen Den United States
Time: 7:30pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Cash or Venmo at the doors Doors open at 7:30pm Music at 8pm Get there early! Limited seating.