As a musician in New Orleans, you can fall subject to a broad spectrum of set-ups at any given venue. From house shows with electrical circuits seconds away from blowing all the way to luxurious green-rooms with a semi-private bar and balcony, if you’re new here it’s hard to know what is the right fit for you. And, as a person who attends shows, it can be very hard to predict what the environments are like in any given area or what shows to go to (since there are a plethora of options on any given night.) 

I’ve found through my time living here that there are pockets of specific scenes that circulate around certain neighborhoods and areas of the greater New Orleans area. Punk and metal bands tend to stick around the ByWater, while uptown is pretty much rampant with Loyola indie and pop bands paired with each-other, or occasionally touring acts. Of course, if funk or jazz is your thing, it is pretty straight forward where you should go: Hell (frenchmen/the French quarter). 

The music community here is tight knit and supportive, and only wants to bring attention and their clientele to places of safety and respectability. It is my goal to highlight, truthfully, the experiences of musicians and show-goers at venues and diy shows. 

Despite New Orleans fame as the birthplace of jazz, this city runs rampant with so much artistry and community and if you come with an open mind and open ears, it can inspire you to no feat.