Biography
The DayWalkers are a New Orleans-based alternative roots band that "spontaneously combusted" in 2014 when Alex MacDonald (washboard, vocals), Janson Lohmeyer (keyboards, vocals), Wil Darvill (violin, vocals), and Travis Marc (drums, vocals) played an impromptu gig in the Crescent City. The band quickly established themselves as a daytime fixture on Bourbon Street, anchoring the afternoon slot at Krazy Korner on the corner of Bourbon and St. Peter — earning a devoted following among locals and tourists alike. Their sound blends Cajun, Zydeco, country, and Louisiana roots music, delivered by three dynamic vocalists who mix infectious harmonies with wacky humor.
A defining thread in the band's DNA is the lineage of washboard player and co-founder Alex MacDonald, son of legendary New Orleans musicians Leigh "Little Queenie" Harris and Bruce "Weasel" MacDonald. Raised in that deep-roots environment, Alex brings an inherited authenticity to the band's Cajun and Zydeco textures. The group released their debut album "Americana Mix" in 2016, followed by "The Fundamental Daywalkers" in 2018 and "Down to the Quarter" in 2022, showcasing original material like "Stuffed Bell Pepper" and the title track alongside spirited covers. The lineup has seen some evolution over the years, with musicians including Marshall Baker (violin/fiddle) and Trey Landry (drums) serving in rotating capacities.
The DayWalkers have been featured on WWOZ New Orleans 90.7 FM and have welcomed guest collaborations with notable regional artists including Waylon Thibodeaux, the Houma-born fiddler known as "Louisiana's Rockin Fiddler." While their low streaming profile reflects their nature as a live, venue-rooted act rather than a recording-focused project, they are well-regarded within New Orleans' roots music community as a reliable, high-energy afternoon showcase of the city's Cajun and Zydeco traditions.
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Fun Facts
- The band's origin story is unusually literal — they describe themselves as having 'spontaneously combusted' from a single impromptu gig in 2014, with no formal plan to form a band.
- Their name is a direct nod to their niche: they are daytime performers on Bourbon Street, playing when most live music acts are still asleep.
- Washboard player Alex MacDonald is the son of two New Orleans music legends — Leigh 'Little Queenie' Harris and Bruce 'Weasel' MacDonald — making him something of musical royalty in the city's roots scene.
- Despite being a Bourbon Street house band, The DayWalkers have released three studio albums and maintain an active Bandcamp presence, suggesting creative ambitions beyond their tourist-friendly venue residency.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Leigh "Little Queenie" Harris - Mother of Alex MacDonald (washboard/vocals). Legendary New Orleans musician whose deep roots in Cajun, Zydeco, and Louisiana music directly shaped Alex's playing style and the band's overall sound.
- Bruce "Weasel" MacDonald - Father of Alex MacDonald. Veteran New Orleans musician; his influence alongside Leigh Harris gave Alex the musical foundation that anchors The DayWalkers' roots authenticity.
Key Collaborators
- Waylon Thibodeaux - Houma-born fiddler dubbed 'Louisiana's Rockin Fiddler.' Guest performer with The DayWalkers at Krazy Korner, featured in WWOZ-listed events as a special collaborator. [2010s–2020s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
The Daywalkers has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.