From annual festivals to the city’s plethora of clubs and bars, nights here in New Orleans are endless. Although, what really works its magic throughout the city is music, and for most New Orleanians, music goes beyond entertainment – it is a necessity. New Orleans is considered the birthplace of jazz for a reason.
Cultural Daily’s “Why New Orleans is Considered the Birthplace of Jazz” describes jazz as a “rich cultural tapestry,” fusing influences from African, Caribbean, Spanish, and French backgrounds. Weaving a cultural mosaic of New Orleans, the genre is greatly influenced by the city’s African American and Creole communities, who were instrumental to the development of jazz. Jan Ramsey for Offbeat Magazine describes jazz best: “freedom-loving music.”
Influential jazz figures include Charles “Buddy” Bolden, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, the Dodds brothers, and Sidney Bechet. Their approaches to jazz set new standards for performance, bridging communities together and speaking the universal language of live sound.
If you’re over 21 on a night out in New Orleans, consider ditching your average club or bar, and go to these six local jazz spots instead:
- The Spotted Cat Music Club
Known as “The Cat” by locals, this music club is internationally known as the spot for jazz music. The Cat was established in December 2000 and is located at the core of the Faubourg Marigny District. Described as a small music box – “a glamorous spectacle without needing to be pretentious about it” according to ViaNolaVie– this club has a stage, bar, and a cozy atmosphere to gather jazz lovers in the French Quarter. Do not stall for too long – this music club is strictly first come, first served!
- Mahogany Jazz Hall
A hidden gem in the French Quarter has reopened in 2021 under new ownership. Mahogany Jazz Hall is the ideal spot to enjoy nightly jazz performances up close and personal. Celebrated for its mesmerizing atmosphere, this spot’s ambience reels you in with its warm lighting, cozy seating arrangements, and luxurious interior. Be sure to look out for the Hall’s special events, where they host themed nights and workshops to engage patrons in the rich culture of jazz.
- The Jazz Playhouse
Located in the lobby of The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, this 2014-established jazz spot honors the city’s musical heritage by holding nightly performances from local and renowned musicians. This Playhouse lives on in its rich history dating back to 1721, making it no wonder it was awarded Best Jazz Club in New Orleans by Where Y’at Magazine’s Best of the Big Easy. Tickets are required for reserving tables, but bar seating and standing room is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Come and enjoy the Playhouse’s live jazz and selection of appetizers and entrees. Do not fret if you are not staying at the hotel – the Playhouse is open to outside visitors.
- Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
Known for being the oldest operating jazz club in New Orleans, this jazz pub is located in a dated 1831 building in the French Quarter. This pub was established in 1969 and is described as “a mecca for jazz lovers and musicians alike” according to its website, also known for bringing in Joie de Vivre—the cheerful enjoyment of life. The Fritzel’s Jazz Band raises the energy of the pub seven nights a week. If you are looking to forget about your worries, live in the moment, and move along with the music, Fritzel’s is where you should be.
- Maple Leaf Bar
Characterized as “a neighborhood watering hole located on the funky Oak Street corridor” by the bar itself, Maple Leaf Bar continues to be one of New Orleans’ longest operating music clubs. This bar is home to legendary musicians such as James Booker and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Grammy Award winners like George Porter Jr., and is a special place for many emerging musicians and music students at Loyola University New Orleans, Tulane University, and the University of New Orleans. If you are looking to be in the place of legends with live performances seven nights a week, go check out the Leaf.
- Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club
Described as a “cultural cornerstone” over your average music venue on the club’s website, Sweet Lorraine’s holds over fifty years of New Orleans’ history, with live jazz performances nearly every night. This club features a curated selection of local talents and legendary musicians, making each night its own celebration of sound and community. Along with its live performances, this club provides a thoughtfully crafted menu to exhibit true Southern hospitality and to accompany the sweet sound of live jazz. If you are seeking to experience the fascinating, timeless charm of New Orleans, Sweet Lorraine’s is waiting for you.
