Where To Find Live Music in New Orleans
As of Memorial Day weekend, New Orleans finally went into Phase 3, allowing for live entertainment to return to the stages of our city and lifting the COVID-related ban on second lines and parades which will be replaced by the traditional event permitting processes within the Department of Safety and Permits (hint: this is good news in terms of the Sexual Freedom Parade—stay tuned).
Music is the heartbeat of New Orleans, it literally fills the streets creating a sound bath of street drummers, brass bands, Cajun bands, and jazz music pouring out of every orifice of the city. It’s not hard to find music here, in fact, it’s harder to avoid it. You’re bound to run into a brass band on any given corner of the French Quarter or pass by a bar with its doors wide open while a trio chugs away at a tune, or catch a solo horn player blaring their soul out to a familiar song that will leave you captivated. The music in our city will move you, literally and figuratively. The pandemic took a huge toll on the musicians here, many of them are full-time “giggers,” their lives depend on making music. With the restrictions on bars, venues, and events, it’s been very tough for them to find work and make a living during this time. Show your support and help welcome them back to the stage when you come for Naughty N’awlins this year, they truly deserve it! Don’t forget to tip the bucket!
Here are some of the top places in New Orleans to find live music!
Located inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon St., the Jazz Playhouse showcases some of New Orleans's most talented bands and musicians. It showcases a live show every evening, serves originally crafted cocktails and appetizers inspired by Jazz culture. It’s a beautiful, luxurious, venue with intimate candlelit tables perfect for getting close to your date and allowing the music to consume you. CLICK HERE to find out more about the Jazz Playhouse and to purchase tickets to a show during your stay here.
This shrine of New Orleans music, located in the French Quarter just announced its reopening! Since 1961, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 50+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition. CLICK HERE to learn more about this New Orleans jewel and how to make a reservation.
Just past the French Quarter, lies a little street that packs a big punch! Frenchmen St. is a smorgasbord of New Orleans music for you to feast your ears on. From funk music to Dixieland, to Jazz and beyond, you can find almost anything to satisfy your musical cravings. Take a little trip and sample all the clubs on this street, like Snug Harbor, the Spotted Cat, and the Blue Nile. Even outside the clubs, you’ll find some of the best live street music you can find. CLICK HERE to learn more about Frenchmen Street.
The oldest jazz club in New Orleans is, of course, placed smack-dab in the center of the buzzing, chaos of Bourbon St. But step one foot in the door and you are immediately transported to a different time. From the old-school architecture to the vintage jazz tunes played right in front of your face by some of the most talented musicians in the city. Get a taste of what listening rooms were like back in the day in this little piece of jazz history. CLICK HERE to learn more about Fritzel’s.
Enjoy the sounds of Dixieland Jazz while dining on some of the best Creole cuisines the city has to offer. Arnaud’s is one the oldest, most historic restaurants in New Orleans, it even has a Mardi gras museum upstairs for you to peruse. Before you leave New Orleans, treat yourself to the Sunday Jazz Brunch for a delightful, traditional New Orleans sendoff. CLICK HERE to learn more about Arnaud’s Jazz Brunch.
