This article provides ten ways to get the best musical experience out of your time in New Orleans, including free options. We cover ways to find the best music in and out of the French Quarter, indoor and outdoor, recorded and live, traditional and innovative. Because we have so much live music, a calendar can be a huge help. WWOZ, our local listener-supported heritage station, can be a great planning tool. The station provides a comprehensive daily schedule of local live music called the WWOZ Livewire, announced on air every odd hour and also listed online. It provides a map showing where music is happening near you and also allows you to filter the list by style — providing a list of jazz, blues, funk, zydeco, or whatever else tickles your fancy. At the time of writing, this app is only available on Apple devices. Need a soundtrack for your trip planning? Back to top.
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The Spotted Cat Music Club
When planning a trip to New Orleans, most visitors look forward to indulging in amazing food and listening to some truly exceptional live music. Not only is NOLA regarded as the birthplace, circa the late 19th century, of jazz, but the city has also maintained and expanded upon its diverse, ever-evolving auditory offerings over the past century-plus. This venerable institution crowns the to-do list of NOLA visitors and residents alike. Easily accessible in the heart of the French Quarter, the intimate club hosts rollicking, brassy jazz performances almost every night of the year. A relative newcomer to the scene, The Three Muses opened in and quickly distinguished itself not only for holding its own when its comes to heavy hitting musical acts—hosting lively performances of hot jazz, country and western and piano—but also for its superb food and drink offerings. Dive into a plate of bistro-inflected fare, such as beer-braised pork belly, grab a house cocktail such as the Spaghetti Western bourbon, Campari, rosemary syrup , and soak in the good vibes.
The Jazz Playhouse
Among hundreds of live-music events and venues in the city, there are many options for those looking for entertainment without age restriction or the necessity of purchasing alcoholic beverages. Each of these popular locations updates a monthly calendar so you can find live entertainment on any night of the week. Check their calendar for more information. Perhaps you are looking for the more traditional live-jazz entertainment, or a family-friendly venue that provides a cultural experience enjoyable for all ages. For an unforgettable experience from the days when jazz was shaped into an art form, visit the legendary Preservation Hall. On any given night this charming venue is filled with music lovers of all ages who wish to experience the magic of New Orleans jazz. The Civic Theater , a big venue in the Warehouse District that hosts national indie rock acts, comedy and more, often has all-ages shows. Jazz brunch is a New Orleans weekend tradition, when hearty Creole brunch foods are served in restaurants, dining rooms, and courtyards filled with the lively sounds of New Orleans jazz. Jazz brunch is a great live music option for families and those who prefer to avoid noisy nightlife.
I keep busy working as a blogger, photojournalist, community manager, consultant, curator and more. The opportunities and challenges keep getting bigger, better and more meaningful for me every year! Favorite destinations are many and my list of must-see places to visit seems to get longer the more I travel! I also love heading back to the States every chance I find and cannot get enough of the Deep South — Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas — and Hawaii holds a particularly special place in my heart as well. New Orleans is home to a rich musical tradition. Blues, funk, jazz, zydeco, rock 'n' roll, country — the city can claim at least some responsibility for just about every genre of American music. Making a move to the Crescent City for a taste of live music, but in a jam as to where you should go? Here's a look at a sextet comprised of some of the best music venues in the world which all happen to be located in New Orleans. Among the many Frenchmen Street bars and venues featuring performances is the Apple Barrel, where there's live jazz and blues every night of the week. Expect a friendly local crowd, cheap drinks, and amazing acoustics.
