Local music fans created the original Tipitina’s in 1977 as a neighborhood juke-joint to honor pianist, Professor Longhair and to give him a place to perform in his final years. The two venues are named after one of Longhair’s most popular songs, “Tipitina.”
Upon entering Tipitina’s, you can see a bronze bust of Professor Longhair and a giant wooden likeness above the stage, which on special occasions, has been known to don hats.
The original venue is located in Uptown New Orleans at the corner of Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas. Tipitina’s has also opened a second location in the French Quarter that is primarily used for private parties and events.
Tipitina’s has also established Tipitina’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports local music and musicians. The foundation has been especially active in supporting the musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The two-story Uptown location is large enough to hold a crowd, but small enough to keep performances up-close and personal.
The first floor is ideal for those who want to dance badly, without any shame. The second level is ideal for those who want to escape the crowd mashing below and enjoy a nice aerial view of the show.
This weekend marks the end of their Free Friday’s concert series, but on an average night expect to pay between a $10 to $15 cover.Tipitina’s hosts a Cajun Fais Do Do every Sunday night. A Fais Do Do (pronounced fay-doe-doe; it means ‘to go to bed’ in Cajun French) is the name for a traditional, late-night Cajun dance. It celebrates the rich Acadian culture of Western Louisiana. This week’s Fais Do Do is hosted by the Bruce Daigrepont Band.
Smokers should be prepared to step outside because Tipitina’s is now smoke-free.
Tipitina’s is known for booking funky local performers:Galactic, Big Chief Bo Dollis, Soul Rebels, the Neville brothers, and the Rebirth Brass Band, Better Than Ezra, have graced the stage at Tipitina’s and still appear at times.
Tipitina’s has been fortunate over its history to host national artists including Wilco, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Lenny Kravitz, Bonnie Raitt, James Brown, Widespread Panic, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tim McGraw, Goo Goo Dolls, Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, and Medeski, Martin & Wood. Loyola students should visit Tipitina’s to get an authentic view of New Orleans music and culture at a local landmark with a rich history.
Carl Harrison can be reached at
