lemiThe land of the free—for good reason! Home to some of the world’s most famous landscapes, cityscapes, and great escapes
The Jazz City
New Orleans, Metairie
New Orleans swells with soulful jazz. You’ll hear it drifting spontaneously from streets of the French Quarter. It will lure you into intimate music clubs, both historic and new. The Big Easy has moulded Jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, King Oliver, and Jelly Roll Morton. To this day, local talents have kept the music going through storms and changing times. We’ve found where New Orleans plays jazz to stir the soul, so keep a ready ear and follow the tunes into the heart of America’s Old South.
Start off the weekend early at Louis Armstrong Park. “Jazz in the Park” takes the party outdoors every Thursday for eight weeks in the Spring and eight weeks in the Fall. This coincides with another spring festival, the “New Orleans Jazz & Heritage” (“JazzFest”). Over 10 days, hundreds of acts perform on multiple stages as thousands of people come for a good time fuelled by jazzy tunes.
- +1 504 658 3200
835 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Thanks to Lafayette Square, you don’t have to wait for Sunday or Thursday. “Wednesday at the Square” is a series of free concerts in the summer at the square. The line-up highlights local Louisiana talent and award-winning acts over 12 weeks. Locals and tourists of all ages kick back on the green lawns for a midweek pick-me-up. Come fall, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival rolls around. The same organization that produces JazzFest brings the magic to Lafayette Square. Blues comes from Mississippi, but the influence is undeniable in Jazz music. Another thing from the Deep South to enjoy at the festival: barbecue. Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, are just a little taste of what’s available. Check out their food stalls for a quick snack. All profits from food and drink sales go to a good cause: community service projects by the Youth Leadership Council.
602 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- https://lafayettesquare.org/
Louis Armstrong once said, “Preservation Hall, now that’s where you’ll find all the greats.” With a shining recommendation by one of the greats of Jazz himself, Preservation Hall is a must for any Jazz lover. Ease onto wooden benches and floor cushions to get up close and personal with the band. Preservation has its own band in-house called the "Preservation Hall Jazz Band." They perform acoustic jazz, so no amps or synths. Just raw musicianship that has been its legacy for over 50 years. The small shop house itself is intimate and aging. Its long history since 1961 shows in the peeling paint and yellowing portraits on the walls.
- +1 504 522 2841
726 Saint Peters Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- https://www.preservationhall.com/
Another one of New Orleans pioneering jazz clubs, the Maple Leaf is the city’s longest running club. Brush elbows with regulars at the bar and dance with locals on the packed floor. Tuesday nights are reserved for the Rebirth Brass Band, an iconic local act that’s been together since 1983. Their traditional New Orleans sound won them a Grammy in 2012 for Best Regional Roots Music Album. Maple Leaf is known for its local legends and famous sit-ins. Its most famous instance was when Bruce Springsteen popped in and jammed out. There’s always live music happening here. Whether you’re mingling at the bar, cooling down outside, or heating up the dance floor, Maple Leaf is the place to be any day of the week.
- +1 504 866 9359
8316 Oak Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- https://www.mapleleafbar.com/
The Spotted Cat Music Club takes no reservation. As soon as it opens late in the afternoon, claim a seat in this cozy club and just hang out. You’ll have blues, funk, traditional and modern jazz to keep you company late into the night. The band plays on a little platform in front of the window, so New Orlean’s charm is never out of sight. As the day shifts to night, especially on Fridays, the place fills quickly so you’ll be glad you came early. Traditional jazz is usually the genre of choice, with big brass instruments and an upright bass bringing the big sounds. If a swing band happens to play the night you drop by, the dance floor clears up for those with the moves.
- +1 504 943 3887
623 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- https://www.spottedcatmusicclub.com/
Music, food, and spirits go hand-in-hand at Three Muses. Solo piano players, sultry jazz singers, and New Orleans-style ensembles fill up the roster of acts that play here every week. Three Muses is more of a sit-down place for date nights and intimate dinners. Hop onto their calendar for a schedule so you don't miss any favorites! Savor an eclectic mix of flavors from their menu, like Tempura Shrimp, Mac n’ Cheese, and Steak. Match with a cheeky cocktail or a glass of wine—when you’re feeling fancy—and you’re set for the night.
- +1 504 252 4801
536 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- http://www.3musesnola.com
Draft beers and nightly shows have etched a special spot for d.b.a. in the hearts of those who come here. A cold pint fresh from the tap, and a heart-stirring serenade will always greet you whenever you arrive, while performers from the region play their heart out on-stage. Come early, because d.b.a. doesn’t sell tickets in advance. Big names have graced the stage before, including Jimmy Buffett and Stevie Wonder. The music room’s special cypress wood interiors give the music a warm sound.
- +1 504 942 3731
618 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- http://www.dbaneworleans.com
From the inside out, the Howling Wolf Music Club was crafted to be legendary. Renowned muralist Michalopoulos painted a colorful tribute to New Orleans Jazz on the Howlin’ Wolf’s long outer wall, and it is what greets you before you are ushered inside. The bar was carved from the wood of mobster Al Capone’s hotel, The Lexington. Its black theater curtains were saved from The Orpheum Theater, and even it’s name was taken from Jazz legend Chester Bennett. The acts keep up to par with previous performances by a wide spectrum of acts, from Harry Connick Jr. to The Foo Fighters. They work closely with The Rebirth Brass Band, percussionist Mike Dillon, and Hot 8 Brass Band—to name just a few—to bring Jazz ever-forward.
- +1 504 529 5844
907 South Peters, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- https://www.thehowlinwolf.com/
A community of local jazz-lovers has always been at the heart of Tipitina’s. Look out for The Neville Brothers and Trombone Shorty, local acts who are a staple at the venue. Tipitina’s opened in 1977, taking its name from a song by regular performer Professor Longhair. A radio station used to operate in a studio apartment above the club. They’d lower a mic through a hole in the floor and broadcast a live show. Now, Tipitina’s is giving back. The Tipitina Foundation was established to develop local talents and foster a new generation of music-lovers through their programs. They still keep the party going, too. Standing-room-only, they literally get everyone on their feet with their performers.
- +1 504 895 8477
501 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- https://www.tipitinas.com/
In a Musician’s Village called the Ellis Marsalis Center, you’ll find the future of Jazz. The Musician’s Village brings opportunities and a music education to underserved children in the community. Witness an emerging generation of performers and a wellspring of local talent at The Center. It’s always honored the local community, naming the center after Ellis Marsalis, a legendary Jazz pianist native to the area.
- +1 504 940 3400
1901 Bartholomew Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- https://www.ellismarsaliscenter.org/musicians-village
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