Named in honor of Duke of Orleans, Regent of France in 1718, New Orleans is home to the most historic districts of any US cities. Besides history, New Orleans is known for so many other things such as festivals, food, architectural styles, or nightlife.

But what comes to your mind first of all when you hear New Orleans? It is about jazz music and its musicians, isn’t it?

If you are looking for an original place to listen some original music, then this is the place to be.

Rich history, diverse culture, fine art galleries and restaurants fill the city, and especially the French Quarter, the most popular neighbourhood, often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans. A city of many names (The Big Easy, NOLA), a city with a jovial “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” (“Let the good times roll!”) attitude is ready to welcome you, and to enchant your senses.

It is said that Jazz music originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans in the late 19^th – early 20^th centuries. It was not learned in school, or as a specific trade. It all started as a mix of beats and songs coming from different communities in the late 19^th century, which turned into a new genre called ragtime. When ragtime blended with blues, it created a whole new style of music, and such jazz began to emerge. Playing and dancing was the way to let the worries free, feel alive and have a good time. Wanting you to get up and dance. It was heard in any kind of gatherings, especially during the weekend time, it was the way to connect the community, and grow together.

But jazz music did not stop there. It spread around the world, giving way to different styles. Accordingly, to Wikipedia there are 56 subgenres of jazz music. You can hear some of them on New Orleans’ streets, but the brass bands are what you want to hear!

The heart and cultural center of New Orleans is the French Quarter, a must-see for its energy, history, or architecture. If you start your walk at the southern edge of the neighbourhood, after a stroll along the Mississippi River, your first stop would be Jackson Square.

This is the best place to get a psychic reading if you want to have a little fun, or to buy one of the amazing paints displayed all around the square.

Here you will also experience impromptu jazz, there is a band that would gather in the same place on Chartres St to play for the public.

Even if you are not here during the famous Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or other celebrations, the good vibes will envelop you as you stroll the city streets. Once you get enough of Jackson Square and everything else that the area encompasses, you can continue your walk. The architecture and the colourful homes in the neighbourhood, famous for their wrought-iron balconies, provide you with a distinct backdrop for other types of sighting.

Some of the streets seem deserted, the shutters are closed and the curtains are drawn.

You will bump into another lone player, or street artist who will try to get your attention. But keep walking, live jazz is around the corner, keep walking and you will find it!

The French Quarter (also known as Vieux Carré) a district full of historical houses, restaurants, and other points of interest, is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. So is Bourbon Street. Full of people wandering just like us, Bourbon Street is known to be one of the most notorious in the world.

As the light fades, and the sun prepares to set, some of the lights turn on, inviting the flocks to come in and wonder what it’s all about. People start appearing out of nowhere, the street noise picks up, a beat of a heavy drum can be heard in the distance.

Empty restaurants open their doors, waiting for revelers while lone DJs and entertainers try to attract undecided customers. Drums, snakes, dancers, guitars, singers, performers of all kinds, show after show make up for a great entertainment every meter of the street. Funny signs keep you entertained. And not only😉

A blasting music tries to cover the blasting music from next-door, while the fancy motorcycles line up to the millimeter on the side of the road cover it all together. Packs of people wander along the street, building up a vibe you never knew it could exist. Part of the street pack, your senses are attacked from any direction, but you keep walking.

As the darkness creeps in, and the neon signs begin to blink and glow brighter and brighter, Bourbon Street becomes a party paradise, a place where entertainment takes on another level. Known for its “anything goes” attitude, Bourbon Street becomes a legend.

What was a Cinderella during the day, became a Princess of the night, in the dark.

~visited in March 2023