Nightlife for over 40's
 

We will be staying at the Sheraton on Canal for a week in October. We are over 40 but still like to party like we're not, but might feel uncomfortable in a young-hip place. We generally listen to classic rock and motown. Of course we want to experience some good jazz/blues. Any suggestions?

If the Canal is the Canal in New Orleans, check out Snug Harbor for good jazz.

Sorry about that, yes it is the Sheraton in NOLA. Thanks for the suggestion.

The Maple Leaf for roots music and/or Cajun. Tipitina's for blues/Cajun.

Also.... if they're having a good band.... Rock 'n Bowl is fun and not chock full of tourists. There's a good Thai restaurant in the same plaza for dinner. If you don't mind the wait, you can bowl (typically a 45 - 60 minute wait to get a lane) and the band plays right in the bowling alley. Just make sure who's playing - it's usually roots or cajuhn music bubt we went and that week it was an 80's style hair band playing REO and Zeppelin covers.

Check the schedule for the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz (for times and days). Any of the performers there are worth a visit. It's also a gorgeous venue - comfortable with friendly service. The nearby terrace is magnificent as well.

If you do go to the Ritz, try to see Jeremy Davenport. He's like a young Harry Connick Jr. Very good!

In addition to the other places mentioned, try the Mid-City Lanes which is a bowling alley with live bands - call them up and see when they are featuring a zydeco band. Also you might like the Funky Butt on Rampart St. Be sure to still take a stroll down Bourbon St after dark for the experience, even if you don't want to go into any of the clubs.

Just to avoid confusion, Owen's "Rock 'n Bowl" and J Correa's "Mid City Lanes" are the one and same. Take a cab from the Quarter, too. Neighborhood at Carrollton and Tulane Ave isn't all that great!

New Orleans is a very different animal than other cities where the young and/or hip wait on line or call in favors to get into the latest greatest poshest clubs. NO doesn't really have posh/hip nightclubs, just posh/hip restaurants!
You will not feel out of place in the vast majority of NO music clubs, most of which are very authentic in their appeal: great and diverse musical talent, many are located in 100+ year old buildings, have been old reliable music venues for along time and attract a strong local clientele.
Snug Harbor, Tipitina's, Maple Leaf and Rock & Bowl previously suggested are all good.
Also worthy: The Howlin' Wolf, Palm Court Cafe, Funky Butt, and Preservation Hall for the most traditional of traditional jazz. The Bombay Club in the Quarter has great food, a fun piano bar and fabulous martinis. There is a hole-in-the-wall Bourbon Street club called Lafitte's Blacksmith Shoppe (not to be confused with the gay bar on Bourbon called Cafe Lafitte in Exile or Lafitte's for short) that is an historic building and has a piano bar featuring this older lady who can really belt out the tunes. Local publications Gambit Newsweekly and Offbeat magazine as well as Louisiana Music Factory store in the quarter are great places to find current music listings. NOLA.com also has good listings.

Sounds wonderful! What is the appropriate dress for these clubs? Is there any place you can play dress-up? Another fashion question: Do ladies down south wear white (pants, shoes, etc.) after Labor Day? Thanks in advance for any help!

Well, I took white slacks in May (before Memorial Day). They dress for the weather, not the fashion season, thankfully.

When we visited the Ritz, there were many (apparently hotel guests but who knows) in shorts and sandals after having been out and about all day.

Be advised - no matter how hot it is outdoors, take a sweater or shawl for going indoors, where it is, more often than not, freezing.

Thanks, DJK! The a/c tip is a good one! Well, if people weren't dressed up at the Ritz, I'm guessing the whole scene is pretty casual. Did you notice anyplace I could wear my only-been-worn-once black sequin number?! Can't wait to go! I've done none of the planning, as this is a suprise 20th anniversary gift from my husband. So now I'm doing a little catch-up on the research! Thanks for your help.

A very strong vote of support for Snug Hrbor. It has been owned and I believe it still is owned by the Marsalis famil...we have gone 2 or 3 times and heard The father and a couple of the sons. Ok restaurant as part of the club but well worth the effort. Located at the very back of the French Quarter in ok area....has a web site;search Snug Harbor on google for more. All ages, and a real local club feel. Would not miss it.
Have a Vodoo label beer for me!

Dreamer,
If your hubby loves it, your little black sequin number would be fine for dinner at any of the fancier restaurants - Antoine's, Commander's, Galatories, Arnaud's, etc. In fact you will feel much more comfortable in that than be underdressed like many tourists, as locals tend to regard these places as dressy. Maybe not usually black-sequins-dressy, but we are not rigid - people will think you have been or are on your way to the opera or ballet or society wedding. (Yes, we have those things here besides jazz and strip clubs :-D )
And, this is the south - no white after Labor Day except as a t-shirt to work in your garden.

ttt

Just relax and enjoy yourself! You're on vacation. No one will care if you're 40, 60 or 20. Plus, its New Orleans. You'll see what I mean when you get there!!! haha

A strong second (3rd?) for the Funky Butt on on Rampart for great Jazz.