New Orleans Love Affair with Jazz

New Orleans has a fabulous live music scene, full of funky rock and reggae, amazing jazz, and much more. With a reputation for insurmountable jazz, soulful blues, and spicy Cajun tunes, you cannot visit New Orleans without taking in some live music. As the host of the Jazz Festival in April, and the birthplace of jazz music, the quality of the live jazz in this city is astounding. Your options abound, so pick a place for its ambiance or its tunes; either way, it is unlikely you will be disappointed.

If jazz is your preference, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro is a wonderful place to start. Considered the most prestigious jazz club in New Orleans, this venue is a treat in and of itself. With a candlelit restaurant, a bar area, and a performance club, there is a little bit of something for everyone.

One of the special attributes of this establishment is the fact that you never really know who is going to be playing or what will drift out of their instrument. You will likely see many hopeful musicians floating around, as they desperately cross their fingers for the chance to go on stage, an opportunity that they just might get.

For a more tourist-friendly venue, try Palm Court Jazz Cafe. The atmosphere is refined, and the music is traditional. This place is perfect for some solid, well-executed, and engaging jazz.

Spotted Cat is another club specializing in jazz music. Located on Frenchman Street, the region of New Orleans that is dedicated to the jazz scene, this venue offers the intimacy that is ideal for the jazz experience. They feature two or three groups per night, so you can expect a variety of styles every time you come.

For traditional jazz, visit Preservation Hall. They have their own band, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which is fronted by a variety of local performers six nights a week. This casual environment is ideal if you are seeking some good, old-fashioned New Orleans jazz. The clientele is primarily comprised of visitors from other countries, which allows for many unique and fascinating conversations. This city is proud of its jazz heritage, so stopping into one of these venues is a must for every visitor.