Live Music Venues in New Orleans: Where Music Never Stops

New Orleans is America's most musical city. Jazz was born here, and music remains the city's heartbeat. From brass bands on street corners to legendary jazz clubs, NOLA offers an unparalleled live music experience. Here's your complete guide.

The New Orleans Music Scene

Music in New Orleans isn't just entertainment—it's a way of life. The city's unique blend of jazz, brass band, funk, R&B, and roots music creates a sound found nowhere else on Earth.

Key Music Districts

French Quarter The historic heart of New Orleans music. Bourbon Street's tourist-heavy clubs contrast with Frenchmen Street's authentic music venues.

Frenchmen Street The locals' alternative to Bourbon Street. Multiple clubs within walking distance, all with live music nightly.

Marigny Adjacent to Frenchmen, with additional venues and a bohemian vibe.

Uptown/Carrollton Neighborhood venues with strong local followings. Tipitina's anchors this area.

Treme The oldest African American neighborhood in the US and birthplace of jazz. Cultural significance runs deep.

Iconic New Orleans Venues

Preservation Hall

• Capacity: 100
• Genre: Traditional jazz
• The Vibe: The world's most famous jazz venue. No drinks, no talking—just pure, traditional New Orleans jazz in an intimate setting.

Tipitina's

• Capacity: 850
• Genre: All genres, especially funk and R&B
• The Vibe: Legendary Uptown venue named after Professor Longhair's song. Essential New Orleans music history.

The Maple Leaf Bar

• Capacity: 200
• Genre: Blues, funk, brass band
• The Vibe: Uptown institution with legendary Tuesday night Rebirth Brass Band residency.

d.b.a.

• Capacity: 150
• Genre: Jazz, brass band, roots
• The Vibe: Frenchmen Street anchor with quality bookings and great sound.

The Spotted Cat Music Club

• Capacity: 100
• Genre: Jazz, swing
• The Vibe: Frenchmen Street's most intimate jazz club. No cover, tip the band.

Venues by Capacity

Small (Under 200)

• Preservation Hall (100 cap) - Traditional jazz
• The Spotted Cat (100 cap) - Jazz, swing
• d.b.a. (150 cap) - Jazz, roots
• Maple Leaf Bar (200 cap) - Blues, funk
• Chickie Wah Wah (150 cap) - Roots, Americana

Medium (200-800)

• Tipitina's (850 cap) - All genres
• The Howlin' Wolf (500 cap) - Rock, indie
• Republic NOLA (700 cap) - All genres
• One Eyed Jacks (400 cap) - Rock, indie

Large (800+)

• House of Blues (1,100 cap) - All genres
• The Fillmore New Orleans (2,200 cap) - All genres
• Smoothie King Center (17,000 cap) - Major tours

How to Book New Orleans Venues

For Emerging Artists

1. Respect the tradition - New Orleans has deep musical roots; show you understand them
2. Start on Frenchmen - Many clubs book walk-ins and emerging acts
3. Embrace brass - Consider incorporating local musicians
4. Play second lines - Participate in the culture, not just the venues

For Touring Artists

1. Avoid Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras - Unless you're booked for them, these times are impossible
2. Book around festivals - Shoulder dates can work well
3. Understand the culture - New Orleans audiences know music deeply
4. Be flexible - Things run on "New Orleans time"

New Orleans Booking Tips

Do's

• ✅ Show respect for New Orleans musical traditions
• ✅ Consider late-night sets (music goes late here)
• ✅ Embrace the culture and community
• ✅ Tip musicians generously

Don'ts

• ❌ Try to book during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest without connections
• ❌ Disrespect local traditions
• ❌ Expect things to run on strict schedules
• ❌ Ignore the brass band and jazz scenes

The New Orleans Advantage

Why New Orleans is essential:

1. Musical credibility - Playing NOLA means something
2. Unique audiences - Deeply knowledgeable music fans
3. Cultural immersion - No city offers this experience
4. Industry respect - NOLA shows on your resume matter
5. Collaboration opportunities - World-class musicians everywhere

Explore More Venues

This guide is brought to you by Venue Pulse—free venue management software for live music venues. We create these city guides to help artists, bookers, and venues connect.

For artists looking to book tours, check out Band Voyage—our AI-powered platform that helps you plan and book your next tour.

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