No City has the Relentless High Spirits and Determination of New Orleans
Hit the High Notes in NOLA: This is a city with a constant soundtrack, from tap dancing kids in the French Quarter to concerts at Smoothie King Center to sweet jazz playing at various clubs around town. A great place to begin your musical research is: www.neworleanscvb.com
Frenchmen Flair: Shhh… Don’t tell every tourist, but locals leave Bourbon behind and head for Frenchmen Street, on the edge of the French Quarter. Places such as Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and The Spotted Cat offer musical experiences you won’t find in other cities. This street is the real deal, an oasis for anyone who wants to take a genuine musical journey that will refresh the soul. www.snugjazz.com, www.spottedcatmusicclub.com
After Hours at Ogden: On Thursday nights, Southern music takes center stage alongside lively discussion at Ogden After Hours at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, with live performances and interviews with Southern musicians. Upcoming shows include Mardi Gras Indian Bo Dollis Jr., guitarist Jon Dee Graham, and musical storytellers, The Write Brothers. There are dozens of concerts each year, open to museum members and the general public, thanks to this popular program. www.ogdenmuseum.org
Happening Harmony: If you’re looking for a Sunday night getaway, be an Uptown travelgirl (or guy!) and head for Tipitina’s. The music of the accordion and the fiddle create a unique Cajun rhythm that’s one of the city’s signature sounds. Shows usually start around 5pm and are only $10. www.tipitinas.com
Tried and True Tradition: You’ll never go wrong with the iconic Preservation Hall. Locals and tourists pack this St. Peter Street spot to soak up the historic ambiance. Since 1961 it’s been pleasing crowds looking for the roots of New Orleans jazz – and with shows at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm (and sometimes 6pm) nearly every night of the year, there’s no excuse for leaving it off your itinerary. www.preservationhall.com
Listening Langiappe: There’s an endless list of venues in the city; your best bet is to check with a hotel concierge to match your family’s tastes — and to help secure tickets. A few of our favorites: The historic Saenger Theater, the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts and the Davenport Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, named for musician Jeremy Davenport, who plays Wednesday-Saturday. Aside from the formal performances, be sure to ask about any free concert series happening while you’re in town; New Orleans has several extraordinary free outdoor concert series throughout the year.
www.saengernola.com, www.mahaliajacksontheater.com
