The popular Maple Leaf Bar in Uptown New Orleans is one of the oldest operating music clubs in New Orleans, having opened in 1974. Here, you can find live performances seven nights a week with musical styles like blues, funk, R&B, rock, zydeco, jazz and more represented by both local performers and touring national acts. In August, the Krewe of OAK starts its parade with a toast on Maple Leaf’s balcony and ends its parade back at the Maple Leaf, where it holds its Midsummer Mardi Gras post-parade block party and street concert.
Located in Mandeville, Ruby’s Roadhouse features big and local musicians. The sounds of New Orleans-style jazz and brass funk, as well as the Cajun tunes born from the bayou pour out of this simple little venue. The building is more than 100 years old, and has been known as a popular venue for African-American performers since the 1930’s.
Panorama Music House in Lake Charles is part restaurant, part music venue, and all fun. Dine on delicious food, local craft beers and cocktails and pair with live music every weekend. Panorama also hosts fun events like Music Trivia, Karaoke, Retro Brunch and Pajama Jam (where, yes, you can jam in your jammies).
Built in the 1920s, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium actually served as an army barracks before becoming known as an internationally famous performance hall. In 1948, a new weekly music program called “The Louisiana Hayride” began shining a light on up-and-coming artists who would later become big stars. Just how big? Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley played here before becoming household names. James Brown, Aretha Franklin and B.B. King have graced the stage here, too. Visit today for a rotating lineup of concerts inside these same historic walls.
In Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, Chelsea’s Live is a popular live music venue downtown. It features everything from touring bands to nostalgia nights and karaoke competitions.
Lafayette is a hub of lively tunes, and Rock ‘n’ Bowl’s Lafayette location features a host of live music acts while you practice your strike. Jam out to everything from Cajun, zydeco, swamp pop (yes, that’s a real music genre) to ‘80s and ‘90s tributes and more.
Cane River Commissary in Natchitoches puts on a Zydeco Breakfast on Saturdays – where you can try all the brunch favorites like Beignet Sticks, Praline Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits, Creole Breakfast Empanadas and more. Sip on a Mimosa or Bloody Mary while tapping your toes to zydeco and Cajun tunes.
Just can’t get enough? Check out museums like the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the Delta Music Museum to learn about Louisiana’s musical history.
Learn more and plan your musical journey at ExploreLouisiana.com.
