One of the many reasons visitors come to New Orleans is to check out our world famous music scene. The question many visitors ask is; “Where is the best place to catch live music in New Orleans?”
The simple answer to that question is that there is not one venue, part of town or day of the week, there are many. Everyone loves a local’s tip, so let me let you in on our best kept secrets. WWOZ is a non-profit, community based, volunteer driven, radio station that plays New Orleans music 24/7.
Where can I listen to New Orleans music before I arrive or when I’m back at home missing New Orleans?
Check out the WWOZ website https://www.wwoz.org/
To listen to the current live stream, click on “Listen Now“.
If you want to check out past shows, or you have a favorite dj or show, go to the two week archive, which can be found here: https://www.wwoz.org/listen/archive/
Author Tip: My favorite is the New Orleans Music Show.
WWOZ is a non profit that preserves New Orleans culture and keeps our music going, if you like what you hear, make sure you show them some support https://www.wwoz.org/donate/
Who is playing? Where?
WWOZ has something called the Livewire Music Calendar. It lists every show in New Orleans by venue and day. Note, we have a lot of live music, 7 days a week at a variety of locations. Check out the listings here: https://www.wwoz.org/calendar/livewire-music
Where is the easiest place to catch a lot of music in one area?
The answer is Frenchmen Street. Frenchmen Street begins where Frenchmen St and Esplanade Ave meet in the neighborhood known as Fabourg Marigny, which is located right next to the French Quarter. This is mostly alive in the evenings. The clubs there that have live music are:
Dragon’s Den
Igor’s Check Point Charlie
Vaso
The Maison
Bamboula’s
30/90
Blue Nile
Three Muses
Cafe Negril
Apple Barrel Bar
d.b.a
The Spotted Cat Music Cub
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Marigny Brasserie
Where can I catch New Orleans live music on Bourbon Street?
Bourbon street is known more these days for tourists imbibing alcohol, than New Orleans style music, but the best place for live music if you are there is Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub.
Where are other live music venues of note?
Y’all the list of music venues around this city is very long and extensive and I won’t post them all here. I will mention some to check out by neighborhood.
French Quater
Preservation Hall
Starlight
Bywater
Vaughan’s Lounge (Thursday nights only)
Marigny
Backroom at Buffa’s
Uptown
Tipitina’s
Maple Leaf
Le Bon Temps Roule
Mid City
Chickie Wah Wah
Dmac’s Bar and Grill
CBD/Warehouse District
Circle Bar
Howlin’ Wolf
Treme
Kermit’s Mother In Law Lounge
Candlelight Lounge
Final Thoughts
Get out there and enjoy some live, local music and don’t forget to tip the band!
