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The Best Places For Live Music In New Orleans

New Orleans, more than any other American city, is a live music capital — and that’s a good thing. There are so many venues that have performers serenading you every night. And the genres run from folk to R&B and of course, jazz music.

If you’re passing through the city or perhaps live here and want to enjoy some good music, you may have the following question:

Where Can I Catch Some Live Music In New Orleans?

This article will show you the best places for live music in New Orleans.

Tipitina’s

501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 895-8477

Tipitana’s has for years been where the neighborhood parties. The tourists have found out about it and the show has just gotten bigger, but just as downhome.

Here is what one visitor says about Tipitina’s. “The drinks are to die for and the space is so open. I come here to see New Orleans greats in the hopes that one day I can perform along side them or have my own spot in this piece of heaven section. This night I saw the great Erica Falls she always gives me great advice on singing and performing and this is one of my fav places to see her shine. Keep up the great work and keep booking amazing talent you guys.”

House of Blues

225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 310-4999

Here’s what one visitor says about the House of Blues. “Restaurant: Very savory jambalya with a healthy portion of shrimp and sausage, gumbo seemed a little salty, and everything had a good kick.
Venue: always opt for VIP. However, the smaller, intimate venue provides a great experience regardless. Two bars downstairs and one upstairs with food options (which is nice). I would watch any artist in this venue.”

Preservation Hall

726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

Here’s what one visitor says about Preservation Hall. “Loved it. Definitely recommend the seats vs standing. It was warm in there and the standing crowd didn’t look overly comfortable. Music was great, exactly what I was hoping it would be. Only thing that would have made it better would be an encore at the end.”

Palm Court Jazz Cafe

1204 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 525-0200

Here’s what one reviewer says about Palm Court Jazz Cafe. “This place is wonderful. The music 1st, owned by the darlingest woman on the planet, staff warm and welcoming, food is Delicious. We had crabcake, and steak pie, fried crawfish for app…. in love completely. Dinner and phenomenal Jazz. Like I felt a warm musical hug from NOLA “

The Spotted Cat Music Club

623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Here’s what one patron says about The Spotted Cat Music Club. “Love this jazz bar! The band (Pat Casey and the new sound) that was playing last night was simply amazing it is a bit small and rather tight. Even if you get a seat, you will be blocked by others standing around. Nonetheless, am glad me and my friends discovered this place as we were looking for a jazz bar. They started charging $10 cover fee at 9:30 p.m. and we got in just before that. Make sure you tip this band if you enjoy their music because that’s how they earn.”

Chickie Wah Wah

2828 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (844) 244-2543

Here’s what one visitor says about Chickie Wah Wah: “Had a real good time here seeing one of my favorite New Orleans artists. The owner died recently and the venue is up for sale with an uncertain future. Currently open under the existing management, it lacks some of its previous charm and is cash only. Hopefully things will work out and another unique music spot will be saved from pandemic shutdown.”

D.B.A.

618 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 942-3731

Here’s what one reviewer says about D.B.A. “Phenomenal jazz music venue! Wonderful bartenders, grateful for this incredible opportunity to listen to such amazing jazz artists! We saw the Palmetto Bug Stompers, wow, just wow!”

21st Amendment Bar at La Louisiane

725 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 378-7330

Here’s what one visitor says about 21st Amendment Bar at La Louisiane. “Awesome jazz bar. Pretty small seating but the vibe is amazing and the music is good. Right off bourbon street so it isn’t that crowded but still near the noise. Cocktails looked pretty good and service was nice.”

Blue Nile

532 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 766-6193

“We loved the vibe and decor of The Blue Nile! The feel was so much better than the insane, frat party vibe on Bourbon Street. After a long day walking around exploring the French Quarter we stopped here for cocktails while listening to the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio. The band was rocking and had great energy and banter with the audience.

“The cocktails are expensive ($15-20), but the fleur de lis cocktail was absolutely divine! (Grey Goose vodka, essence of peach & rosemary, elderflower, and tonic!) This place was the perfect experience to wrap up our first day in New Orleans. We’ll definitely be back again!”

Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

733 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 586-4800

Here’s what one visitor says about Fritzel’s. “Live music all day and eve starting at 12:30pm. Middle of the day piano man, takes requests and does traditional Nola jazz. Night time! Lookout. Katie Rogers on trumpet kills it, along with the band. A must. Drinks starting at $5.”

Last Word

As you can see, the city’s live music scene is on and popping! Going out around the city can be an interesting experience to say the least! There are so many events, parties and conventions going on that there’s so much to see and do.

You might be curious as to how safe the city is. Check this out.

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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.