New Orleans Official Visitors Guide - 2026 Summer/Fall
The Faces of New Orleans
2026-07-02 05:58:01
A Day in the Life of Our City’s “Songbird”
New Orleans is full of personalities, from street artists to musicians and more! Follow “The Songbird of New Orleans” Robin Barnes (in her own words) on a day in the life in the city.
My show days in New Orleans start early around 5 a.m. at SWOOT NOLA for a workout. After getting my kids ready and off to school, I unwind with a 3-4 mile walk through City Park. There’s nothing like the peace of the bayou and the canopy of ancient oak trees to center me for the day ahead.
Breakfast is usually at Bearcat in the CBD or Li’l Dizzy’s Café on Esplanade – an institution I’ve loved since I was a kid. Then it’s straight to a writing session at Esplanade Studios, a stunningly renovated former church that somehow feels both sacred and electric with creative energy.
If time allows, I’ll grab Thai from Dahla and take a meeting or two at Common House, formerly the beloved children’s museum on Julia Street. I have so many childhood memories in that building, and now I get to soak in its beauty and those massive mirrors in a whole new way. It’s a quiet nod to the past for so many locals.
Then it’s soundcheck, hair and makeup, and onto the stage! I love getting to explore my city through both the eyes of a native and a tourist. It’s the best of both worlds. Performing here never gets old; it’s a reminder of how rich and alive New Orleans really is.
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Follow Robin on Instagram @neworleanssongbird and check out her artist page to see where she’s performing next!
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