Hi .. just wondering if anybody knows any clubs that play Zydeco music in New Orleans. We will be in New Orleans mid-March for a week.

We are renting a car for a couple of days and will be out in plantation country (Oak Alley, Evergreen, & Zam's Swamp Tours are planned) and any suggestions of must-stop-at places would be really helpful !!

You can try Mulate's or Alex Patout's Cajun Cabin on Bourbon. Others may have better ideas. I tried a search by music on nola.com, but "zydeco" isn't an option. "Cajun" is. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd know the difference!

Check out this site that lists 137+ New Orleans bands and musicians. the associated links generally list where they play regularly. Not zydeco, but I'd recommend Gary Brown at Papa Joe's! (jazz, r & b artist) Have fun! http://neworleanswebsites.com/cat/en/mu/m-bm/m-bm.html

I have read on another site that Thursday nights at Mid City Bowling Lanes(I believe that was the name) have the best zydeco music.

This was about 7 years ago but we went to Tippitinas on zydeko night (I believe it was a Friday) and had an absolute ball. The locals dragged us on the dancefloor (we were a group of girls) and whirled us around. Definately one of my best NOLA experiences. It was not in the Quarter but our cab driver knew it. Definately check to see if it's still around.

I think as most of these posters have said there are possibly "zydeco nights" at certain clubs, but more likely you would have to know names of bands that play what you are looking for. My best advice is to pick up a Gambit (local weekly newspaper)when you get to town or go to www.bestofneworleans.com before you come down to check out who is playing where and try to get info from your hotel or clubs about what type of music the bands play.
Another option since you are venturing out of the city is to ask about places near the plantaions or other areas you are going to visit.

Excellent for finding music listings in NO is www.offbeat.com