There’s no denying it - New Orleans is a major trailblazer of the American music landscape. Never ending are the Crescent City’s contributions to the universal language we all speak and love: music! From jazz to bounce and Buddy Bolden to Big Freedia, our original genres and talented artists are well-known and widely adored. 

Lesser known are the iconic venues where such New Orleans artists got their starts and made their marks. During your next visit to NOLA, catch a show at one of the Crescent City’s long-standing venues for a live music experience like no other.  

Preservation Hall
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Justen Williams

Preservation Hall

This famous French Quarter venue has remained a fixture of New Orleans jazz since 1961. On just about any given evening, guests can enjoy intimate acoustic performances by the hall’s current collective of 50+ local master Traditional New Orleans Jazz musicians, including the internationally-known Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Tipitina’s
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Justen Williams

Tipitina’s

What began as a local hangout dedicated to Louisiana’s own, the legendary Professor Longhair, has blossomed into an Uptown staple known for hosting some of the city’s best and most buzzing musicians. Since 1977, the stage at Tipitina’s has welcomed Dr. John, the Neville Brothers, Tim McGraw, Lenny Kravitz and countless others including national names, local favorites and up-and-coming artists.

Irvin Mayfield performing at Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge
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Justen Williams

Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge

First named for its original owner, New Orleanian musician Ernie K-Doe, the Mother-in-Law Lounge is a vibrantly colored favorite nestled in the heart of Tremé. In 2014, Kermit Ruffins took over ownership of the Mother-in-Law Lounge offering daily live music, food + drink specials and an always lively time. Pro-tip: The Mother-in-Law Lounge is a great stop after any downtown second line or major Saints victory!

Rebirth Brass Band at Maple Leaf Bar
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Rebecca Todd

Maple Leaf Bar

A world-famous music venue along Uptown’s quaint Oak Street. The Maple Leaf Bar has hosted live music performances seven nights a week for over 40 years. Everything from blues, funk and R&B to rock, zydeco, jazz and jam bands can be enjoyed here. There’s no shortage of good tunes or good times at the Maple Leaf.

Snug Harbor
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Justen Williams

Snug Harbor

Frenchmen Street is easily known as the live music hub of New Orleans and Snug Harbor is an exceptional performance venue among the group. Intimate and upscale, guests can expect some of the best in New Orleans jazz during any visit to Snug Harbor. In addition to live performances, Snug also offers regionally inspired dishes and a full bar for an all-inclusive experience. The Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet, Stanton Moore Trio and Ashlin Parker Quartet, among others, are frequent performers at Snug.