Jazz it up in America’s heartbeat city: New Orleans live music guide for travellers

New Orleans beats to the rhythms of its own soul and is often called the birthplace of Jazz. Iconic venues preserve the fascinating legends and history that shaped the city’s musical identity, bringing music lovers from all over the world to engage in its melodies.

These historic stages celebrate different genres and are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beating heart of New Orleans.Preservation Hall With roots as an art gallery dating back to the 1950s, this iconic French Quarter venue used to lure in art buyers when the then-management would book local jazz musicians to enchant passing crowds. It was in the 1960s that the sound of New Orleans jazz began luring bigger crowds than the art, eventually becoming Preservation Hall as we know it today. This well-cherished space became one of the most important venues in the evolution of jazz sound worldwide, and to this day, it is where you can find the internationally known Preservation Hall Jazz Band!Tipitina’sIn the 1970s, local music enthusiasts opened the doors in the Touro section of Uptown to the beloved Tipitina's, named after the song "Tipitina" by Professor Longhair, who performed there until his passing in 1980.

In its early years, this space housed a juice bar, restaurant, and bar. However, the only reference to that now is the banana in the well-known logo. Sold in 2018 to New Orleans jam band Galactic, Tipitina's is still very much in the heart of the city’s sound.Kermit’s Mother-in-Law LoungeOriginally opened by Ernie K-Doe in 1994, the Mother-in-Law Lounge is a cherished live music venue, pub, and living monument to New Orleans' musicality. After closing for some time, Kermit Ruffins reopened this venue in 2014, in the heart of the Tremé.

Maple Leaf BarAs one of the longest continuing operations in music, the Maple Leaf Bar opened its doors in 1974. Hosting live music seven nights a week for most of its run, this Uptown hot spot is nestled in the Oak Street corridor and is known for celebrating various musical styles such as blues, funk, R&B, rock, zydeco, jazz, jam bands, and more.Snug HarborAs one of the hot spots for Street melodies, this jazz bistro celebrates the music of New Orleans in the Marigny neighbourhood.

Located in three rooms of a renovated 1800s storefront, there is an abundance of great food to go with great tunes.Candlelight Lounge

Located in the oldest Black neighbourhood in the United States, the Tremé, Candlelight Lounge is a beloved local spot that features great live music, brass bands, and good drinks. A local favourite post-second line parades, do not miss out on their New Orleans charm and free red beans and rice on Mondays.Vaughan's LoungeTo get inside this quirky Bywater jazz and blues gem, find the side door and ring the buzzer. Inside, you will find live music, cheap drinks, and plenty of the character that gives New Orleans its charm.d.b.a.Back in the music district of New Orleans, Frenchmen Street, you will find D.B.A., a hip-but-not-trendy bar that offers off-the-cuff music geared towards local music lovers. Paired with their hundreds of craft beer options, this space is a great music venue for those who love to raise a beer glass to the band.Chickie Wah Wah

Hop onto the Canal Street streetcar from the French Quarter and head on over to this intimate music bar located in Mid-City. They proudly present local music of all sounds and special curated performances by touring artists. As its name suggests, this space is one of the city's well-known dance and groove spots. With daily drink specials and extensive BBQ dishes, be sure to stop by any night for live music, a good drink, and a BBQ plate, but do not forget those dancing shoes!Toulouse TheaterSince 1970, this French Quarter space has been celebrating the performing arts of all kinds for generations.

It started as a single-screen Walter Reade cinema featuring first-run films and evolved in the late '70s to host live performances. It eventually became known as the Shim Sham Club, which closed in 2003. It later reopened as Rio Hackford and Ryan Hesseling's One Eyed Jacks. However, in 2021, this beloved venue returned once again to its namesake, Toulouse Theater, where you can catch a variety of talents on its stage, ranging from live music–both local and national touring–comedy, drag, and burlesque.The MaisonThe Maison joins that list as one of the larger venues to catch a show at in Frenchmen Street. Serving food until 10 p.m. each night as an added bonus to the entertainment, this three-level restaurant, bar, and music venue provides some of the best live music on the block.Spotted Cat"The Cat," as it is known by the locals, is recognised as an international destination for jazz music, where plenty of movies, commercials, and print media have been filmed and inspired by the unique space and musical ambience.

You cannot miss this venue once on Frenchmen Street, as the spotted cat mural radiates on the side of its building.House of Blues New Orleans

The House of Blues is an American chain of live music and concert hall restaurants. Notably, it has 11 national locations, including one nestled in the French Quarter. Since opening its doors in 1994, this premier special events and live music venue has welcomed everyone from major national touring acts to local performers, gospel brunches, drag shows, and more.

In addition to their main concert hall, you can find smaller, more intimate shows in their Foundation Room, including VIP experiences and a more upscale food menu.SiberiaHome to metal, punk, indie, and underground music, this Bywater neighbourhood dive bar boasts not only live music but also nightly activities and shows such as trivia, comedy, burlesque, drag, and more. Serving up entertainment with a mixture of bar-fare food, do not miss this venue as a chance to get off the traditional sound path of the city.