This is a charming time of year to head south to the Big Easy. It’s warm but not only-the-locals-can-love-it baking, the crowds are thinning and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a golden or amber leaf as your streetcar purrs up St. Charles.
For jazz lovers, though, it doesn’t take much of an excuse to come to New Orleans. Book as soon you are done reading this and get yourself to Preservation Hall. Tonight at 8:00 you can catch Jazz Masters featuring Leroy Jones, a member of the Harry Connick, Jr. Big Band for the past decade and who inspired Nolanitelife.com to tout:
“While New Orleans has spit out quite a few Jazzy musicians, few are as honest about their roots, their sound, and their soul, as Leroy Jones. All of this is evident in the way he plays his trumpet, as well as the way he moves a crowd with his mid-set dialogue, and stories about the Big Easy.”
But you’ll need a place to stay. Grab the Missus and head on over to any of these three lovely establishments (call now – who knows how booked they are!):
- Maison Dupuy – I’ve written it up before. It’s an obvious favorite of this Examiner’s. With the palatial courtyard setting and stories of rooms facing the pool, one is easily reminded of Romeo and Juliet or a French novel. Very romantic and best of all, convenient but also tucked away. You’ll also be able to stop in at the hotel bar later for some more music. Tonight is, at least according to the schedule, the last night for Corks in the Courtyard. Drink some wine by the pool before heading out to Preservation Hall. Nice location at 1001 Toulouse Street, a few blocks away from Bourbon.
- Bourbon Orleans is another delicious option for you jazz lovers. Sit and enjoy a Voodoo Mojo cocktail, that the hotel boasts “comes in a souveneir cup.” Watch the eclectic crowds and musicians flock down Bourbon Street or get off your duff and head out for some jazz. Now. The Bourbon “O” club is accessible from the lobby and features a DJ each Friday and Saturday night, just in case you’re in the mood for more fun when you samba home. Bourbon O is at the corner of Bourbon at 717 Orleans Street, in the thick of the Quarter.
- Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel, at 700 Tchoupitoulas Street, offers the kind of luxury only a vampire girlfriend or sitcom actor’s goddess would relish, but you can play the part tonight. Renaissance touts a well-lit pool area at night replete with bright olive and turquoise padded deck chairs. Sit yourself down and order a drink from pool reception while your honey takes another lap. That is, if you aren’t still out singing along to Leroy Jones at Preservation Hall.
Laissez les bon temps rouler ce week-end, mon amis!
