New Orleans Music
 

We will be spending our first time in New Orleans during the New Years'. Can you suggest some places to listen to good jazz and dixieland? What places should we avoid? How about the "one bar" you should not miss going to? Thanks.

Don't miss Preservation Hall. It has no drinks, no food and precious little seating (I've always sat on the floor) but the music is great.

The piano bar at Pat O'Brien's is alot of fun, and New Orleans tradition. some folks might tell you to give it a miss, but I find it really enjoyable! You'll here some good jazz music simply by listening to street musicians! (yes, don't miss Preservation Hall) Are you coming for New Years, or the Sugar Bowl?

There are many clubs on Bourbon Street where Jazz is played. They keep their doors open to draw in people. You can sample the sounds as you walk the street.

Enjoylife: Could you be more specific about which clubs? I was in the FQ last month and walked up and down Bourban Street every night and did not find a single club playing jazz or dixieland. There was lots of rock, R&B, and hip-hop, but no Jazz. Unfortunately, Preservation Hall was dark the nights I was there.

As a previous poster said, a few street musicians play jazz. I was not aware of Pat O'Brians and heard no jazz the one night I was there for dinner. After I got back, I was told there is a hotel or two with jazz bars. Other than that, I could not find any and I was looking.

dwooddon: the lack of jazz at the clubs on Bourbon St. is a complaint of my husband's as well. He says it's changed alot in the last 20 years. The club at the Hilton Inn River Walk (13th floor, hubby says) is where Pete Fountain sometimes plays. I think the hotels are now where jazz is found (other than street and Natchez riverboat) There will be lots of music for New Year's and Sugar Bowl--a 2 page list was in today's Baton Rouge newspaper

I think the best jazz can often be found at Snug Harbor, which is also a bar. You would have to purchase tickets in advance for these notable acts, unless you get lucky. Call ahead for show times.

One of my personal favorites is the Funky Butt. You will see some of the same talent here that you'll see at Preservation Hall, but in a less touristy more intimate setting. Preservation Hall is well worth going to as well -- these talented musicians are some of New Orleans oldest, highly respected for their traditional style. This group of musicians changes constantly from night to night. There is generally a long line to get into the Hall, one of the older quainter more rustic buildings in the French Quarter -- I don't think you can get tickets so get in line, there are quite a few shows.

Here is a site that lists some notable (but common) jazz brunch recommendations, followed by the recommendations of others in the know:
http://www.digitalcity.com/neworlean...e.adp?aid=3485

Also, BlueNote.com has a bulletin board for live jazz. You might look to see what's going on when you're in town.

As for Dixieland, I'm not a fan -- but your hotel can give you some recommendations. You will find music everywhere in New Orleans -- if you don't know jazz or dixieland music well enough to know what you like, just stand outside and take a listen from the street. If you like what you hear, go on in. You can't beat New Orleans for an incredible American music experience.

Be on the lookout for a jazz funeral -- anyone can join in singing and dancing along on the "second line". These musical parades are for New Orleans legendary musicians, a high honor of celebration for the respected artist. They occur in the Quarter and other areas and are a unique experience. Sometimes they're listed in the obits.

Is Storyville still open (at the end of Bourbon Street)? They had terrific jazz/blues when I was there a couple fo years ago.