6 Great Jazz Places In New Orleans

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and has produced some of the greatest musicians of all time, including Louis Armstrong, Sydney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and pianist Dr John.

If you’re visiting this vibrant city during your American Queen Steamboat Company cruise, you’ll want to check out the music scene and take a musical trip back in time to the early days of jazz with some of the best of the area’s musicians.

The Court of Two Sisters: The current owners, the Fein family, acquired the restaurant back in 1963, but this property has history that dates back to at least 1726, which includes a brief residence by Zachary Taylor, who later became the 12th president of the U.S. The venue was named in 1886 when Emile Angaud’s daughter-in-law, Bertha, and Emma Camors set up a notions shop on the property that they called “The Shop of the Two Sisters.” Today, The Court of Two Sisters offers a popular daily jazz brunch, served in an open French Quarter courtyard where their jazz trio serenades the guests. Enjoy traditional brunch fare such as omelets, Eggs Benedict and grits & grillades, as well as Duck a L’Orange, Shrimp Etouffee, BBQ pork ribs, Chicken & Andouille Gumbo. Top off your meal with their famous Courtyard Bread Pudding with whiskey sauce.

Three Muses: A muse is an inspiration and the owners of this venue combined their three muses – food, music and spirits – to create a fun atmosphere that is perfect for jazz lovers. Dine on pork belly, lamb sliders and Bacon-Wrapped Bleu Cheese Stuffed Dates and of course, a slice of Miss D’s Sweet Potato Pie. Sit back and listen to a wide variety of jazz artists entertain you, including Hot Club of New Orleans, who has modernized the traditional jazz sounds of Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt, and Stephan Grappelli or Linnzi Zaorski, an American jazz singer and songwriter based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Jazz Playhouse: Located in the lobby of the Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel, The Jazz Playhouse showcases New Orleans' great jazz talents and honors the influence of jazz with their NOLA Funk Week held from February 5 – 11. Performances are open to the public with no cover charge or reservations. In addition, the Playhouse is where you ca see great jazz musicians and singer such as The James Rivers Movement, Tom Hook and Wendell Brunious.

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Café Beignet: If New Orleans residents and visitors like anything as much as great jazz music, it’s their beignets, which are tasty bakery treats. At its Bourbon Street location, you can enjoy one of their famous pastries or one of their tasty sandwiches, such as the Louisiana Ham or Decatur Club Oven, a roasted turkey breast with bacon and swiss cheese. Listen to the vocal and trumpet jazz sounds of their own Steamboat Willie, a music historian specializing in the 1920's era.

The Spotted Cat Music Club: Hey come on down and hear the cats screech at the jaz club located in the heart of the Fauborg Marigny District. It’s known as "The CAT" and has been the location for movies, commercials, and print media. No food here, but you’ll be treated to the sounds of three bands every night, such as the Shotgun Jazz Band, the New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, and the Panorama Jazz Band. The Club is opening a second location in the former Fatoush Mediterranean Grill space on St. Claude Avenue that will, of course, offer food, live music events and a full bar.

New Orleans’ Preservation Hall: Established in 1961 to honor Traditional New Orleans Jazz, it operates as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street. It hosts acoustic concerts over 350 nights a year. The venue has hosted such legends as Punch Miller, Sweet Emma Barrett, Billie and De De Pierce, The Humphrey Brothers, and dozens more.