New Orleans has always been known for its music so let’s start this blog by taking a look at its street musicians. One of my favorite groups is a nine-piece band named Tuba Skinny. They play classic jazz and blues riffs on Royal Street in the French Quarter every Monday and Friday.  CLICK HERE to hear Donde Estas Corazon.

ONE – THE FAMOUS PRESERVATION HALL

I’d heard about this place for years so I really wanted to go and enjoy a performance there. Unfortunately, when Peter and I visited New Orleans we put off doing this until we were almost ready to leave the city. This is when I learned that one doesn’t just “pop in” to see a show.

IMPORTANT:  Purchase “Big Shot” Reserved Seats in Advance

Preservation Hall can be found in the heart of the French Quarter in a building that dates back to 1803. It was established 58 years ago to honor one of this country’s truest art forms: traditional New Orleans jazz. Buying reserved seats ahead of time is the only way to go. A general admission, cash-only ticket can result in a long wait. The room itself only holds 100 people. There is no food allowed (one can bring in a drink) plus no phones or cameras during the one-hour performance. Concerts are held over 350 nights a year. Plan to go and have a great time.

TWO – PALM COURT JAZZ CAFÉ IS A CLASSY SUPPER CLUB

You can’t go wrong here if you’re a jazz fan. The Palm Court is located at 1204 Decatur Street in an old French Market warehouse that brings back the casual elegance of yesteryear New Orleans with a mahogany bar, tiled floor and a Steinway grand piano. A wide variety of Creole and continental dishes are offered. CDs and records are available plus there’s an interesting collection of photos from the world of music displayed on the old brick walls.

THREE – HOUSE OF BLUES HAS VOODOO-THEMED MURALS

When I saw this my first thought was, “Oh no, not a chain! Who needs that?” Well, even though the House of Blues at 225 Decatur can be found at 12 locations in the U.S. (the first one opened at Harvard Square in 1992) they have put a lot of effort into making their NOLA version authentic. For example, they feature a Southern-inspired menu. It’s also a great place for Happy Hour where specialty drinks and food are offered in a lively bar and stage area. You’ll have a great time – that’s a promise!

FOUR – BALCONY MUSIC CLUB: IT’S ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

Here’s where you can hear New Orleans Jazz, Southern Rock, Pop, R&B, Blues and Brass bands in the same place. It’s located at 1331 Decatur at the foot of Frenchmen and offers live music seven days a week. There’s no cover and, according to one visitor, “The drinks are better priced than elsewhere in The Quarter. Best of all, you can smoke on the back patio.”  

FIVE – ONE EYED JACKS HAS MUSIC, COMEDY & BURLESQUE

I swear on a Bible that I was laughing the whole time I was researching and writing about this hilarious joint. First of all, it’s named after the 1961 Marlon Brando film. It can be found at 615 Toulouse Street and is described as a bar that feels like a 19th century bordello. That’s a good start but it’s the show put on by the Fleur de Tease (love the name) burlesque group that’s a big hit with both sexes.

There’s a semi-regular show every other Sunday night. One very satisfied customer writes, “We attended on a Wednesday night and saw Vixens and Vinyl – I can’t remember when I last had so much fun.” Another reports, “We thoroughly enjoyed the Fleur de Tease production of the Wizard of Oz. It was very funny and had just enough burlesque.” (Keep in mind: these ladies have professional dance backgrounds and perform all over New Orleans.) Why not go for it!!! CLICK HERE to hear my all-time favorite street group called Loose Marbles play “Wabash Blues.”

Shaun Nelson-Henrick