5 Great Spots for Live Music in the French Quarter
If you're staying at Hotel St. Pierre, live music in the French Quarter is an absolute must. Here we’ve made a list of the five best places to check out live bands during your stay in the Big Easy.
1. The Spotted Cat Music Club
Spotted Cat is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, with live music that never disappoints. The club usually features jazz and is a great walk-in place on Frenchmen Street. It’s a small club, so getting there earlier in order to avoid the late-night crowd is recommended. The club is CASH ONLY, so plan accordingly. Some nights a small cover is enforced. Located at 623 Frenchmen Street
2. Preservation Hall
You’ll never enter a place quite like this anywhere else. The hall was originally a tavern built in the early 1800s. This is where the greats have performed for decades, including Louie Armstrong. The Preservation Hall was made to preserve New Orleans jazz in all its forms. It’s a no-frills hall with wooden floors and no air conditioning, but there’s always a line out the door for its intimate shows. Each show lasts 45 minutes; you can opt to wait in line or buy tickets ahead of time. Showtimes here. CASH ONLY! Located at 726 St. Peter Street
3. Three Muses
If you’re looking for great food, cocktails and music, Three Muses is your place. It’s a popular spot and on the small side, so we recommend you call ahead of time to make a reservation. Musicians are booked at least a month in advance, so see who’s playing on your night out on their calendar here. Located at 536 Frenchmen Street
4. Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
Jazz is the focus at this Bourbon Street mainstay. It’s on a rather active street, but inside jazz music is king and the rest fades away. It’s been a place for real talent in New Orleans since 1969, and the jazz is always top-notch. On the small side, but if you get there before 6 you can beat the rush. Located at 733 Bourbon Street
5. Cafe Negril
Cafe Negril will give you more than just jazz. Many local musicians have a history on this stage, and on any given night you can enjoy reggae steps to funk and rock ´n roll. Cafe Negril is open evenings til 3 a.m., 365 days a year. They have two live bands every night. Check out their chock-full calendar here. It’s a great late-night spot. Located at 606 Frenchmen Street