I am a musician. I write (like a boss), sing (like a boss), play guitar (like a boss), and alto sax (like a boss). I'm capable of playing just about anything that is asked of me, and if I find it too difficult, I will play or sing until I am wore out and the tune is perfected. So i'm looking at moving to New Orleans in the next half a year or so to see just where my music can get me exactly. My dad lives in Louisiana, and he was the one who really, fully enlightened me on just how happenin' the music scene really is, so this isn't just some random idea. haha Is there anyone from New Orleans that could give me some advice on places to go, people to contact, and tips on how to get er done? Help would be GREATLY appreciated.
There may not be any New Orleans regulars here who are musicians, so I'll give this a shot. I’ve spent a good bit of time down there over the years and talked to a lot of musicians, and I know that it is an easy place to get into performing at least on a limited basis. There is a lot of turnover , and bands are constantly shifting and changing. If you spend five days on Bourbon Street, you might see some of the same performers in three different bars playing with three different groups. If a vocalist gets a short term gig, he or she will often put together a band on short notice from the local talent pool. To get started, all you have to do is bring your sax to Jackson Square or the 100 block of Bourbon Street and start playing. You will meet some other street musicians, which is a group that has some overlap with the guys who play in the bars. They can tell you how things work and which standards you are expected to know. You haven’t had the complete New Orleans experience until you’ve played on a street corner, especially when you play a great solo instrument like alto sax. There’s a place in the 700 block of Bourbon called Fritzel’s that plays jazz later into the night than anybody else. They are less selective about who plays their final set, so it might be a good place to prove to your peers that you know your shit. Try to get in there first, even if you have to play for free. A lot of jazz musicians stop by there on their way home to see who is playing that last set, and some of them join in for a final jam before calling it a night. It would be much harder for an unknown musician to get a chance to play at Preservation Hall (St. Peter Ave.) or the Palm Court Jazz Café (Decatur St.) or the legendary Maison Bourbon. Performing at Preservation Hall is a rite of passage for every serious jazz musician. Sunday morning is the busiest time of the week for jazz musicians because so many restaurants and hotels feature a jazz brunch. Even some of the business-oriented downtown hotels get into this. You didn’t say whether your guitar is acoustic or electric, but it makes a big difference in the FQ. I'm not sure what you could do there with an acoustic guitar. There are more rock and R&B bars than jazz bars (+1 blues bar), so electric guitar players are always in demand. I’ve heard many rock bands there struggle with classics that call for two guitars, when they only had one. You can chat with guys in between sets at The Famous Door, the 520 Club, Krazy Korner (all on Bourbon) or Checkpoint Charlie (east of the French Quarter) and get brought up to speed. Give them a cell number and you might get invited to a rehearsal right away. The best clubs in town are Snug Harbor (east of the French Quarter - Frenchman Street) and Tipitina’s (all the way across town) but they have enough of an established reputation that they fill most of their schedules with regional and national touring acts. Not much local talent is seen there, except for Ellis Marsalis at Snug Harbor and Creole music on Sunday nights at Tipitina's. The same is generally true of the Howlin’ Wolf and the House of Blues. A word of caution: Don’t walk to or from the bars on Rampart Street after dark. Even on a tight budget, a taxi is worth the cost when a girl has to go northwest of Bourbon. Good luck! I’m envious. If I played anything other than keyboard (world’s second least portable instrument) I would have probably tried this myself, years ago.
Dude. Thank you SOOO much. Really, that was way helpful. Once I'm settled here (IF I decide to settle here), I will definitely try these things out. I'm pretty stoked to start making music in New Orleans, and this helped to ease my mind and prepare me for what should happen. Muchas gracias!
Let us know how it turns out for you. I think you will love the FQ. Even though there are a lot of people around, it still has a small town feel with narrow streets and lots of small businesses run by their owners. Everybody who lives in the FQ seems friendly and helpful. And the Cajun food is to die for. Don't put on too much weight!
Yeah. I am actually visiting my dad (who lives in Louisiana) for a month. I absolutely ADORE the French Quarter, and living there is definitely a to-do before I die. But yeah! I'll definitely let everyone know how life in the Big Easy is workin' when I get there. Hopefully soon.
