Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
It can be hard to keep track of all the new bands popping up left and right. That's why when you get your mom Alabama Shakes' super-catchy record Boys & Girls, you can give her a little boost in pride for being into a band that's so current.

The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
This Americana duo has been everywhere: the Grammys, NPR, touring with Taylor Swift--so chances are good that your mom has heard them in passing somewhere but might not have remembered to pick up their album yet.

Sony MDR-RF970K Wireless Stereo Headphones
Here's an item that your mom probably wants but would also probably never splurge on for herself. She can hook this up to her turntable, computer or mobile phone for cord-free listening and great sound.

A subscription to Daytrotter
For $2/month you can buy your mom a subscription to the music session website Daytrotter. She'll be able to access thousands of sessions and stream or download them in her phone or browser. If she can't find something she likes from this site, then she might be beyond any of my suggestions.

A gift certificate to her local record store
Gift certificates can be a little impersonal, but there's something to be said for letting a person choose their own music. Find an independent record store here and order her a fun little shopping spree.

Happy shopping and Mother's Day!

[Image: The Civil Wars]

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival started in New Orleans in 1970, one year after Woodstock did the same on a much larger scale in New York. It's currently a lot bigger than it was, with the event running for two weeks in over a dozen tents and stages. The festival has also expanded the depth of its roster; this coming weekend's lineup pulls from R&B (Sharon Jones, Allen Toussaint), reggae (Ziggy Marley), rock (My Morning Jacket, the Foo Fighters) and, of course, jazz (Herbie Hancock, Rebirth Brass Band). No matter your musical interests, you'll find more than enough to keep you busy at the festival.

Being that New Orleans is a world-renowned center of food, music, and art, NOLA's Jazz Fest brings up the best in those same areas as well. Jazz Fest has designated areas for crafts both weekends, as well as some of the best food you're likely to try all year. This is less a music festival than it is everything that's so indescribably perfect about New Orleans distilled into two Character Approved weekends.

[Image: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival]