OffBeat, Inc., records are open for access

Tulane University Special Collections (TUSC) is pleased to announce the processing and finding aid publication of the OffBeat, Inc. records (HJA-094), part of the holdings of the Hogan Archive of New Orleans Music and New Orleans Jazz.

The archival collection contains over 11.84 linear feet (29 archival containers) of business papers and correspondence related to OffBeat magazine; OffBeat, Inc., publications and events; and founder and publisher Jan V. Ramsey.

OffBeat was founded in 1988 by Jan Ramsey. The New Orleans-based monthly magazine, which ceases publication in December 2024, features news, reviews, interviews, and profiles about New Orleans and Louisiana music, musicians, culture, business, and events. Alongside the magazine, OffBeat, Inc., endeavors were developed to help improve and expand local music culture and business, and include the Louisiana Music Directory database and the Best of the Beat Awards.

The collection also documents the music business advocacy work of Ramsey, who co-authored the first economic impact study of music on the New Orleans economy and the first Mayor's Forum on Music and Economic Development.

The OffBeat, Inc., records are available for public research, and can be accessed via appointment at Tulane University Special Collections, located in Jones Hall on the uptown campus of Tulane University.

For more information, contact Hogan Archive curator Melissa A. Weber at mweber3@tulane.edu or 504-247-1807. To learn more about Tulane University Special Collections, visit the TUSC website at library.tulane.edu/tusc, email specialcollections@tulane.edu, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Published October 25, 2024. Updated November 8, 2024.

Photo caption: Materials from OffBeat, Inc., records, Tulane University Special Collections.