USA
New Orleans: Music, Music, Music and so Much More!
Article and photography by Michael Morcos
From the late morning to the early morning, music can be heard throughout Central New Orleans. What a delight, to enjoy such energy, devotion and style. On this two-day visit to New Orleans, I would discover the best this Deep South USA city has to offer travelers.
Strangely, the city is rather quiet, and yet still loud. I spent the trip visiting the nation’s well curated World War II Museum, the magnificent Garden District with its mature tree-lined streets, an array of beautiful mansions and a popular historic cemetery. I would also get a bird’s eye view from high above in the Vue Orleans tower that also has a great museum devoted to the history of New Orleans, and then experience music all along the way on the streets and in the bars of the Bourbon district and Frenchmen Street.
Music seems to be in the blood and veins of New Orleans. We would find residents of all ages engaged in the art – from kids drumming on a plastic kitchen tubs to single street musicians to multiple pieces street bands, live music in bars as well as at the airport on our way home.
I was fired up to find such large bands playing wonderful, southern style music in the morning, as well as way past midnight on Bourbon Street. I stood there for a very long time absorbing these magicians that were not only looking for tips but were actually loving what they did and appreciated the lively fan support. These were precious moments of joy and harmony.
I was well advised to visit Frenchmen Street where there is an incredible variety of music styles in multiple bars that are close to each other. The plan was to have one drink in one bar for a short period of time and retire after a long day. Our plans changed immediately as we embraced this electric atmosphere and instead went barhopping. On our way to our hotel, we were again absorbed by yet another amazing street band. Good sleep could wait because New Orleans was at its best.
The New Orleans food scene is varied with many dining options, from local cuisine to international gastronomy; it is all available to the visitor. Tasty and all so filling, my favorite by far was fried chicken, and I would have a year’s worth of this southern culinary delight. Every day I would find a different restaurant serving this ever popular dish, and believe me when I say, opt for the smaller portions as they are already humungous. Warm and inviting, this dish is popular with locals and myself, it satisfies the palate and sooths the soul. It is tummy licking good.
I have read and heard so much about New Orleans that on this my first visit I would highly recommend a few days to absorb its unique culture that stands out among so many American cities but word of warning, once bitten, you will return as will I.
