New Orleans, Louisiana: Get to Know These 4 Music Hot Spots

Don’t just stick to Bourbon Street. Get inspired and venture to Royal Street for authentic local flavor. Here you’ll stumble upon buskers, some of the best musicians in the city ready to share their talents with impromptu street performances. You’ll hear everything from stripped-down, acoustic guitar to avant-garde bands with instruments ranging from the bass and brass instruments to washboards and plastic buckets. They even haul keyboards onto street corners. The largest concentration of performances occurs daily between the 200 and 800 blocks. New emerging musicians intermingle with veteran street performers to create a free-spirited spontaneity that’s contagious. A large influx of musicians tends to crowd around the intersection of Royal and Conti streets, just outside the police station. Eccentric maybe, but this is New Orleans; everyone loves the Blues.

Within walking distance from the French Quarter, you’ll happen upon the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood and its famed Frenchmen Street. You know you’re in the right spot when you hear it: The live music scene is condensed into a three-block section jam-packed with clubs and lounges. First stop is The Spotted Cat, a quintessential Jazz club that caters to a diverse crowd: locals, tourists and celebrities. A happy vibe emanates from the patrons, musicians and staff. Next walk down to The Maison – a mega club with three floors dedicated to quality live music, drinks and good food. It’s non-stop entertainment seven days a week. If you prefer something more intimate and cozy, visit Three Muses. A tiny enclave, it serves up lively Jazz combos, craft cocktails and original small plates. Scoot in for a cocktail or dinner; stay longer for the enchanting music.

For a little luxury and a lot of Jazz, move downtown to the Ritz Carlton New Orleans. Historic elegance greets you in the 1908 Beau Arts Maison Blanche building. Popular trumpeter Jeremy Davenport will play for you in his namesake club, the Davenport Lounge. Headliner Davenport studied with preeminent Jazz wonder, Wynton Marsalis, and was once a touring member of Harry Connick, Jr.’s Big Band. These days he’s wooing audiences in an intimate setting with sets on select weekday and weekend nights. Indulge in a well-curated menu of cocktails, wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Fly into Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans then rent a car, take a taxi or shuttle into the city.