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» Best Live Music New Orleans
The world’s coolest cities have live music scenes that come in all shapes and sizes. The common denominator is that they deliver an outstanding evening of great music—be it blues, Latin, soul, funk, jazz, rock, indie-pop, or something in between. These are our hands-down favorites.
The Draw: It looks a little ratty, but this club is always rocking. The Uptown mainstay features Latin pop, funky brass bands, and soulful DJs. The Scene: When the music is playing, the young, sweaty crowd packs in shoulder to shoulder before the stage. The T-shirt–clad regulars retreat to the front room for some fresh air and a game of pool. Hot Tip: Come Friday night for an early show and free oysters at 7pm.
Tipitina’s 501 Napoleon Ave., Uptown, 504-895-8477 tipitinas.com
The Draw: New Orleans music reigns supreme at this unassuming shrine on a riverfront corner. The late pianist Professor Longhair, a regular performer here, gave the club its name with his signature tune “Tipitina.” The Scene: A box-like hall, a balcony, a stage, and yards of bars are more than enough to draw the crowds in for hot local groups and the occasional traveling act. New Orleanians of all ages show up and dance to their favorites. Jazz Fest season at Tipitina’s is a frantic, nonstop party. Hot Tip: Every Sunday night, Tipitina’s hosts a feisty “fais do do” party of Cajun music and dancing.
The Draw: A man and his band are the draw at Vaughan’s. Kermit Ruffins sings and plays like the second coming of Louis Armstrong. Ruffins and his crew, the Barbecue Swingers, play several times a week in New Orleans, but their long-running Thursday night show at Vaughan’s has become a local institution. The Scene: Everyone dances when Kermit plays. The crowd, ranging from 20 to 50, can’t stand still at this packed dive in the Bywater. Kermit jokes with the audience and often takes a few spins on the dance floor when a lovely lady beckons. Hot Tip: Don’t knock, push the buzzer. Like an old speakeasy, Vaughan’s makes customers ring to get in when the door is closed.
