Louisiana - The Birthplace of Jazz!

No city can lay claim to nurturing as many forms of music as New Orleans. Since its founding it has been a melting pot for diverse rhythms. Jazz erupted when African (and Afro-Caribbean) and European traditions melded in America, and New Orleans was most certainly the hub!

Music lover visitors will find so much to see, hear and do - here's our round-up of the very best jazz experiences...

Preservation Hall... 

• This New Orleans no-frills venue draws in the crowds for its multiple evening acoustic jazz sets. Be preparted to queue!
• Originally an art gallery with live jazz, it soon became all about the music!
• Each 45 minute set of traditional New Orleans jazz in this intimate venue leaves you buzzing. No bar, no restrooms, just pure NOLA jazz!

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival...

• Widely recognised as one of the finest major music events in the world. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and pumps millions of dollars into the local community.
• An impressive 12 stages of live music - Jazz, of course, but also gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and much much more!
• As well as the astounding array of live music options, there's also food booths offering Louisiana cuisine, plus arts and crafts stands - there truly is something for absolutely everyone!

 The Jazz Playhouse...

• Located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, on the notorious Bourbon Street, listen to authentic live jazz, and enjoy tasty small plates and a yummy cocktail or two.
• This venue offers a wonderfully intimate ambiance in comparison to the many loud and lively bars in this area.

Frenchmen Street...

• New Orleans' Frenchmen Street is home to tons of live music venues - while Bourbon Street is notorious for its lively live music scene, locals know that Frenchmen Street is where the most authentic live music venues are.
• Frenchmen Street is jam-packed with brilliant live music joints - so here's a few of our personal faves:
  • The Spotted Cat - New Orleans' quintessential jazz venue. Real jazz with a real atmosphere - this is a little gem!
  • The Maison - Housed in a gorgeous 19th Century building, here you'll find great live music, jazz brunches and some of the tastiest Creole food.
  • The Apple Barrel - A tiny venue with a great big sound and atmosphere! 
  • Frenchmen Street itself - If you prefer to hang out in the street, rather than venture into the various bars and clubs, that's just fine too! On any given night you’ll find plenty going on; poem reciting hipsters, hula-hooping troops, and traveling brass bands making their rounds.