2023-12-01 09:42:26
MOVE TO THE RHYTHM OF NEW ORLEANS No trip to New Orleans is complete without some live music. Get to know all the genres that give the city its signature sound. JAZZ There’s no doubt New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. Even our airport is named for jazz legend Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. Some say jazz grew out of the drumming and Voodoo rituals that took place in New Orleans’ Congo Square before the Civil War. Others believe jazz was born in 1895, the year Buddy Bolden started his first band. Still others say it happened in 1917, when Nick LaRocca and his Original Dixieland Jazz Band recorded the first jazz record, "Livery Stable Blues." Whatever the date, it’s celebrated day in and day out in New Orleans with the blare of a trumpet, the keys of a piano, and the scat of vocals. Stop by the New Orleans Jazz Museum for history of the genre or pop into a jazz club for a show you won’t forget. BLUES Originating in the Deep South in the 1860s, blues has a rich history in New Orleans. Blues is intricately laced with jazz, and elements of each show up in the other. Late blues greats here include Dr. John, Professor Longhair, and Walter “Wolfman” Washington. Visit Frenchmen Street to hear great live blues music today. ZYDECO The toe-tapping, rhythmic, syncopated manner of zydeco is enough to get anyone on their feet. Deeply rooted in Louisiana tradition, zydeco blends elements of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and roots music in a presentation of multilingual sounds. Catch zydeco music daily at clubs in the French Quarter or at annual events like NOLA Zydeco Fest or the Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Cajun-Zydeco Concerts. BOUNCE You’ve probably heard bounce in the popular music of today, but do you know about its roots in New Orleans? Heard over the speakers of local clubs, through the windows of Saturday night party buses, and along second line routes, bounce has been a New Orleans fixture since the late 1980s, brought to life by local artists like DJ Jubilee, Partners-NCrime, Magnolia Shorty, and Big Freedia. Recognized as the Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia has collaborated with Beyoncé, worked the MET Gala Runway with Ciara, appeared on a TV series, and much more. BRASS The blow of a horn, the buzz of a drumroll, the clash of a cymbal, the clap of a hand. These are the sounds of New Orleans’ rich brass-band culture. Here, music can be found in the streets at an impromptu second line or on the stage of a festival. Brass bands date back to mid-19th century New Orleans, where the music thrived in Black communities. Famous brass bands of today include Dirty Dozen, Hot 8, Stooges Brass Band, and Rebirth. You’ll easily find a brass band performing in a French Quarter music club or at any given festival throughout the year. WHERE LOCAL MUSICIANS SEE LIVE MUSIC Stanton Moore Drummer for Galactic/ co-owner of Tipitina’s “The Maple Leaf, d.b.a., Blue Nile, Preservation Hall, Toulouse Theater, and Snug Harbor all take great pride in presenting an experience that’s very down-to-earth, very organic, and very genuine.” Robin Barnes “Songbird of New Orleans” “Peacock Room and Windsor Court. I also love to take people to Frenchmen Street to hear live music.” Doreen Ketchens Jazz Clarinetist “The corner of Royal and St. Peter streets, Preservation Hall, Snug Harbor, and Palm Court Jazz Café.” BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR LIVE MUSIC FRENCH QUARTER The French Quarter is the place to go to hear all the sounds of New Orleans – from traditional jazz to brass bands and bounce – in legendary music clubs that are still going strong. Preservation Hall is a must for jazz lovers and first-time visitors. Toulouse Theatre, The Jazz Playhouse, Bourbon ‘O,’ House of Blues, and Davenport Lounge are other great French Quarter music clubs. Head to Musical Legends Park for live music and life-size bronze statues of legendary musicians. MARIGNY/BYWATER Once a hidden gem among locals, Frenchmen Street is now recognized as one of New Orleans’ best spots for live music. Visitors and locals alike frequent clubs like Snug Harbor, The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., Blue Nile, Café Negril, The Maison, 30°/-90°, Bamboula’s, Three Muses, and Dragon’s Den. Elsewhere, Vaughn’s Lounge, Bar Redux, and Siberia offer a taste of New Orleans music. TREMÉ Tremé is the oldest African American neighborhood in the U.S. and thus home to some of the best music in the city. Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge is the spot to hear trumpeter Kermit Ruffins perform live – and also get a helping of soul food. Tremé Hideaway has brass-band Sundays, R&B, rap, and more. Club Caribbean on Bayou Road is the spot to go for reggae, dancehall, and soca, plus Hangover Bar is great for bounce music. Check out Candlelight Lounge or Chickie Wah Wah for more local live music. DOWNTOWN Across Canal Street from the French Quarter, Downtown is home to many great music venues and clubs. Catch nationally touring acts at theaters like the Saenger, Orpheum, Joy, The Fillmore, Civic, and Republic. Head to Polo Club Lounge or the Peacock Room for jazz, and Three Keys at the Ace Hotel for the blues, bounce, and more. UPTOWN Venture Uptown for live shows featuring local musicians. Catch brass bands and local artists at Tipitina’s and The Maple Leaf. Bayou Bar features a range of local all-stars joining in on sets four nights a week, and the historic Dew Drop Inn is a newly opened popular spot for live music. LOOKING FOR LIVE MUSIC? Check out the WWOZ LiveWire calendar at neworleans.com/events/live-music-calendar or just scan here to see who’s playing!
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