Louisiana is famously home to Cajun and specifically zydeco music, but its location between Texas and the American South means there's also plenty of rock and jazz to be had. Following are a few ways groups can discover and enjoy some of the Bayou State's premier music venues.
New Orleans
- Purists should head toward Preservation Hall (504.522.2841), which has focused exclusively on traditional New Orleans-style live jazz since 1961. The hall is also available for daytime private events, complete with catered New Orleans cuisine and a jazz band.
- The Blue Nile (504.948.2583) on Frenchmen Street has been described as "the locals' version of Bourbon Street" but has welcomed acts as diverse as Michelle Shocked and Fishbone. The Blue Nile has a huge dance floor, and its upstairs music venue, the Balcony Room, is available for private events.
Louisiana's Northshore
- The Columbia Street Taproom (985.898.0899) in downtown Covington is a noteworthy music venue that hosts various Louisiana and national acts in a building that's been a bar and roadhouse for most of its existence. The Columbia can also host private events for up to 200 and features beer by New Orleans brewer Abita on its menu.
Baton Rouge
- Boutin's Restaurant (225.819.9862) calls itself "a Cajun music and dining experience" and features live entertainment nearly every Monday through Saturday night, including some of the bigger Cajun and zydeco musicians. Boutin's welcomes private parties of up to 300.
Lafayette
- The Blue Moon Saloon & Guesthouse (877.766.2583) started out as a guesthouse but since 2002 has expanded into a world-renowned venue for roots music of all kinds. Because of southern Louisiana's mild weather, the Blue Moon's outdoor seating areas close only rarely, so even in winter groups can hear great music under the stars. The venue is available for private parties and offers catering, but visitors can also just walk in on Wednesday nights for the weekly Cajun jam session.
