New Orleans Photo Diary, Part 2

One of the pure joys on New Orleans is its music scene. From historic venues like Preservation Hall to virtually any street corner, the city is alive with music. All kinds of music. Rock, folk, funk, and, of course, New Orleans style jazz. If you don't want to get "cooped up" in a club environment (there are many, and they are excellent!), don't fret. Just turn any street corner and you're bound to find someone playing some terrific music.

Below is the first example. This is Jackson Square, just in front of Jackson Park. This brass band was kicking up a storm when this little boy appeared with a small trumpet. He must have been about 3 or 4, so he wasn't playing the instrument. But he sure knew all the other moves! Perhaps, some day, he'll be another in the long line of legendary New Orleans trumpet players.

Here is probably the best example of spontaneous music in the city. Cat and I were heading for some brunch at a place in the city's Garden District. We should have made a left at one street but made a right instead and walked smack into a neighborhood SECOND LINE celebration. Descended from the city's famous jazz funerals, they parade with the costumes, floats, and music you might encounter at a funeral but without the casket or mourners. They have become a type of block party parade and usually take place on a Sunday afternoon (as this one did). I'll have much more on this incredible experience on the blog within the next few days. In the meantime enjoy the photos. Just keep in mind, because of a quirk in the blog, the photos are in reverse order. So, start below (I'll show you where) and work back up the page.

Please start the photo sequence for the Second Line at this point and scroll upward.

Another of the many contrasts that I feel make New Orleans so appealing is the variety of music and were you can experience it. For example in the photos below, on the same night, we went from listening to this solo street-corner violinist to the rock-funk-jazz of The Crescent City Brawlers at a club on Frenchman St.

(below) The Crescent City Brawlers in action on a Saturday night.

(below) The legendary Little Freddie King at the equally legendary d.b.a. club on Frenchman St. For a $10 cover he blew the lid off the place!

(below) This acapella group entertained us at the bar at Arnaud's (one of NOLA's oldest restaurants).

(below) One of the many jazz clubs that line Bourbon St.

(below) As I mentioned, great music is everywhere. This trio was in the Jazz Courtyard on Bourbon.

(below) Still more jazz on Bourbon.

(below) The legendary Preservation Hall, dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans style jazz. What people should note is that it's really more of a ROOM than a HALL. It's VERY small, and, therefore, very intimate. Wonderful! (no flash photography!)