The fourth season opens with New Orleans' optimism following the election of Barack Obama as president in November 2008, but Nelson is ready to give up on the city after the economy starts to go south. Meanwhile, Janette prepares to open a new restaurant; Antoine finds himself being more than just a music teacher; LaDonna gets busy rebuilding Gigi's; Annie clashes with Marvin over the direction of her music; and Davis is blown away by a new sound.

Nelson drags Liguori to a meeting with Davis to see if these polar opposites can find any common ground between them on the jazz center. Meanwhile, Antoine's classroom is shaken by an act of senseless violence; Janette's failure to read the fine print on an old contract could cost more than her restaurant; Albert takes his daughter on a tour of his old neighborhood; and Delmond plays with bandleader Terence Blanchard in New York.

McAlary and Desautel spend New Year's Eve together; Batiste picks up a movie job; LaDonna comforts Lambreaux; Colson offers to testify, and the NOPD retaliates.

McAlary celebrates his 40th; Bernette gets a break in her case; Annie dumps her band; Lambreaux insists that Delmond carry on as Big Chief after he's gone; Everett returns to New Orleans.

Colson is offered a transfer; guardians send Lambreaux home; Batiste takes his sons to a Dr. John gig; Hidalgo returns to Texas; McAlary revisits his pothole, now decorated.