Take a glance at the full list of music venues in New Orleans, and you may just have a joy-induced heart attack. There are dozens of digs to choose from and not nearly enough time to visit all of them in one single trip! Don’t fret – you have your whole life to delve deeper into the rich music culture of New Orleans, but for now, check out our favorite venues of 2011. These are sure to please and inspire any music aficionado!
The dimly lit Maple Leaf Bar makes for a laid back atmosphere in one of the funkiest venues in town. (Photo courtesy of MapleLeafBar.com)
Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St. – A classic venue that only grows funkier with age, the Maple Leaf Bar feels like the epitome of a New Orleans music club. Late night funk, brass and jazz sessions grace the stage seven nights a week. A small, intimate stage brings you so close to musicians that you can see the beads of sweat rolling off their heads. Two scuffed up bars with laid-back bartenders - one happens to be my sixth grade science teacher – make you feel instantly at home. This is a great place to see some of the finest New Orleans musicians including Rebirth Brass Band, Papa Grows Funk and Johnny Vidacovich.
Siberia, 2227 St. Claude Avenue – I have a soft spot for this punk rock joint on the main drag of St. Claude. It’s one of only a few venues in NOLA that features punk, metal and fringe performances. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ bohemian oasis in the Faubourg Marigny, the crowd is always a diverse concoction of punk rockers, random costumed guests, artists and the occasional grandma. Siberia offers a true taste of the eclectic New Orleans community with cutting edge music.
Balcony Music Club (BMC), 1331 Decatur Street - If you want the effervescent energy of the French Quarter without the madness of Bourbon Street, then Balcony Music Club is for you. They have a formidable lineup of live brass, soul, blues and funk music that run into the wee hours of the morning, and their location is a perfect midpoint between the French Quarter and the Marigny. The best part? Their lineup often features local teenage brass bands who are the next generation of New Orleans musical talent. It’s amazing to see and support young budding musicians carrying on the local music tradition. Almost all BMC shows have no cover, but make sure you bring cash for the tip jar!
The glowing fountains outside the Mahalia Jackson Theater. (Photo courtesy of mahaliajacksontheater.com)
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin Street - After suffering severe damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Mahalia Jackson Theater reopened in 2009 to bring some of the finest in music and arts back to New Orleans. This large concert hall features performers that range from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to country-folk star John Prine. Make sure you buy tickets in advance, and here’s a tip: stroll through the brilliantly lit gates of Armstrong Park on your way to the theater. There’s a larger than-life bronze statue of Louis Armstrong that is a perfect photo subject, and the park’s newly landscaped grounds and glimmering lagoons are absolutely magical.
What is your favorite New Orleans music venue? Share in the comments below!
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