You can visit New Orleans without knowing much about jazz and still leave feeling that music is part of the city’s infrastructure. It comes from clubs, bars, street performers and venues where the room itself seems to have a history.
Start with live music
Frenchmen Street is a natural area to explore when you want several music venues within walking distance. The French Quarter also has famous rooms and plenty of performances, while good music can be found across the city.
Do not over-plan the evening
Checking current schedules is sensible, especially for a particular artist or venue, but leave room for discovery. One of my favourite ways to experience New Orleans is simply following whatever sounds interesting.
Jazz is living culture
The city’s musical history is enormous, but jazz here is not just a museum subject. Musicians continue to reinterpret traditions every night.
Listen respectfully, support performers and remember that smaller venues can provide as memorable an experience as famous names.
Stay for another set
If you find somewhere that feels right, resist the urge to rush to the next attraction. Order another drink, settle in and listen.
New Orleans rewards visitors who stop collecting sights and start spending time in places. Live music may be the best example of that.