Second Line After Five, Baton Rouge
Live After Five is Baton Rouge’s largest and longest-running free concert series. It takes place each spring and autumn and on consecutive Fridays (17.00-20.00) sees musicians come together to perform a free concert downtown on North Boulevard Town Square at Galvez Plaza. Through the years, local restaurants have joined in the celebration, offering various specials. The most recent running of the event featured the debut of a Second-Line parade, led by the Brasshearts brass band.
Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall, Mandeville
Considered to be the ‘world’s oldest unaltered rural Jazz hall’, The Dew Drop Jazz Hall in Mandeville looks much the same as it would have done when it opened in 1895. Take a seat on a church pew and be transported back to a time when African-American residents started playing the first sounds of Jazz. The hall hosts weekly Saturday night concerts. explorelouisiana.com
Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport
Built in the 1920s, this Art Deco building saw a certain Elvis Presley make his performance debut on this very stage. The Louisiana Hayride introduced talented singers, songwriters and performers such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Johnny Horton, who all performed at Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium. It still hosts live local concerts. visitshreveportbossier.org
Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette
It may look like a typical southern home from the outside, but the Blue Moon Saloon is a thriving honky tonk that celebrates Cajun and Roots music. Every Wednesday there’s an acoustic Cajun jam on the back porch, while Zydeco, Blues, Funk or Rock ‘n’ Roll spills out Thursday- Saturday. Locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a beer and maybe some two-stepping. lafayettetravel.com
The Spotted Cat, New Orleans
When on the hunt for a Jazz club in New Orleans look no further than The Spotted Cat. Bold, brassy sounds fill the room every night, transporting visitors back to New Orleans in the 1920s. A staple on Frenchman Street, the venue is the place to experience traditional Jazz music and has a lively dance floor. Local bands queue up to play in this intimate venue. neworleans.com
Tunica Hills Music Festival, St. Francisville
Tunica Hills Music Festival is an annual weekend event in March which showcases regional bands on stages across St. Francisville. Playing a mixture of Country and Folk, the festival invites families and friends to bring blankets, chairs, coolers and instruments, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and even ‘jam’ with the local musicians. visitstfrancisvillela.com
