International Jazz Day: Discover rare jazz records and vibrant music culture in New Orleans
Never before have I landed in a city after a 16-hour nonstop flight and started humming immediately and packed in my heart the belief that it really is a wonderful world. No care for the sore feet and a bad back, not even for a broken suitcase, everything just seemed wonderful - trees of green, red roses, skies of blue and clouds of white. The bright blessed days, the dark secrets night and I said to myself what a wonderful world. New Orleans does pipe music into your heart. After all, jazz was born in the city; born from a rich mix of cultures in a single city, which combined West African and Caribbean sounds with European musical influences.
And it all starts at the airport named after the jazz legend Louis Armstrong. Satchmo, as they called him. The legendary Satchmo with a rich gravelly voice who released What a Wonderful World on August 16, 1967 as a single in which he sang trees of green, red roses, skies of blue and clouds of white. The words I borrowed as soon as I landed in New Orleans.
Jazz is often tagged as America's only authentic art form. History will forever remember the city's greatest jazz legends - Charles 'Buddy' Bolden, King Oliver, Edward 'Kid' Ory, Louis Prima, Pete Fountain, Nellie Lutcher and of course, Louis Armstrong. The legends have pushed the daisies but in New Orleans - lovingly shortened to Nola (New Orleans Louisiana) - jazz can be heard all over the town. In the French Quarter, the Marigny, the Treme, uptown on Oak Street and on St. Claude Avenue.
If you are in the city, here are the jazz must-dos.
Formerly known as Beauregard Square, Louis Armstrong Park is a 32-acre park located in the Tremé neighbourhood. Designed by New Orleans architect Robin Riley and dedicated and named after Louis Armstrong, the park has sculptures, duck ponds and lots of open spaces, Do not miss the Congo Square, an open space where the enslaved and free people of colour gathered throughout the 1800s for meetings, open markets, and the African dance and drumming celebrations.
Located at 311 Bourbon Street, the heart of the Park is a tribute to New Orleans Musical Legends and includes a series of commemorative displays, plaques, and artwork. The park houses statues of musical legends Al 'Jumbo' Hirt, Pete Fountain, Fats Domino, Chris Owens, Ronnie Kole, and Louie Prima Jr.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates jazz in the city where it was born.
Vue Orleans (2 Canal St. , Entrance to the left of the Four Seasons Hotel): A one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor observatory and cultural experience, featuring the only 360-degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans. Here, you can surround yourself with music, from jazz and R&B to funk and bounce. Discover the musicians whose contributions birthed jazz music in the city.
The Birthplace of Jazz: A Walking Tour Through New Orleans' Musical Past is the best jazz walking tour that is curated by New Orleans Historical, a project by The Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies at the University of New Orleans
Preservation Hall: Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts
The Jazz Playhouse : Nestled inside the historic The Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel, The Jazz Playhouse was awarded Best Jazz Club in New Orleans by Where Y'at Magazine's Best of the Big Easy.
Sidney's Saloon: See King James and the Special Men live every Monday night.
The Spotted Cat: The Spotted Cat remains the local favourite for live music ranging from traditional and modern Jazz, Blues, Funk, Klezmer, and so much more.
Fritzel's European Jazz Club: Founded in Situated in 1969 and housed in a historic 1831 building in the heart of the French Quarter.
Peacock Room at the Hotel Fontenot : An ornate all-day gathering spot that's equal parts creative French salon and music hub, The Peacock Room serves punch-bowl cocktails and great music.
d.b.a: Has been famous for music and libations for 25 years.
Bacchanal Wine : What started as a sleepy little wine shop on the outskirts of New Orleans is now a hotspot for wine and music lovers.
Steamboat Natchez: The last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River is in New Orleans, and it's home to The Dukes of Dixieland, one of the city's most beloved jazz bands.
(Source: New Orleans & Company)
Go to Louisiana Music Factory to find rare records and obscure titles by jazz artists from New Orleans and beyond. Stock up on CDs, DVDs, vinyl, books and souvenir T-shirts.
New Orleans Jazz Fest: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, more commonly referred to as Jazz Fest, an annual festival celebrating the music, art, culture, and heritage of New Orleans is on until May 4, 2025. Buy Jazz Fest 2025 tickets through their official website.
Lake Charles: Lake Area Music: Roots, Rhythms, and Resonance through photographs, instruments, artifacts, and immersive audio experiences (May 23-July 19, 2025) at History City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, Lake Charles. Entry: Free
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Madhya Pradesh, France sign PoU to boost cultural, tourism ties for 3 years
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Madhya Pradesh, France and a French language institute here on Friday to strengthen long-term cooperation in the field of culture and tourism. This will make Madhya Pradesh a new centre of cultural and tourism cooperation between India and France, an official said. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and French Ambassador to India Dr Thierry Mathou hailed the agreement and said it will further strengthen cultural relations between the two countries, which already share strong ties in multiple fields. The agreement, signed in the presence of Yadav at his residence 'Samatva' in Bhopal, seeks to strengthen long-term cooperation between France and Madhya Pradesh in the field of culture and tourism, the official said. The tripartite MoU was signed by French Ambassador Mathou, MP's Principal Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Shiv Shekhar Shukla and President of Alliance Francaise de Bhopal, Akhilesh Verma. The language institute, set up in Bhopal in 1983, is supported by the French embassy and has now more than 2000 students in its classes a year in the state capital. This agreement will be valid for three years and can be extended further with mutual consent. Speaking on the occasion, Yadav pointed out that relations between India and France have always been good and they become stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has visited the European country multiple times since assuming office in 2014. Madhya Pradesh is ready for business relations with France along with cultural ties. The CM is expected to visit France next month, the official informed. Possibilities of mutual cooperation will be explored between India and France in industrial development, entrepreneurship and promotion of handicrafts, he said. "This MoU realizes our vision to establish Madhya Pradesh not only as India's cultural capital, but also as a progressive, global tourism and cultural centre. Artists of the state will get a global platform to showcase their kills and number of tourists coming from France and Europe will increase significantly," the official said. Expressing happiness over the partnership, Ambassador Mathou noted, "We are very happy to establish this important cooperation with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. France mainly works on tourism, security, environment and education." "This MoU will further strengthen the cultural relations between the two countries, which will open new opportunities in the field of art, education and tourism," he emphasised. Under the MoU, cultural programmes will be organised jointly, which include art festivals, music, dance, exhibitions, film screenings, food and other events related to culture, the official explained. A dedicated Indo-French cultural calendar will be prepared every year. Also, tourism promotional material of Madhya Pradesh will be translated into French language and special efforts will be made to attract tourists from the key European country, he maintained. Tourism sector officials and guides will be given training in French language and culture, he said. This agreement will provide a global platform to local artists, craftsmen, students and cultural organizations, and help establish a unique identity of Madhya Pradesh at the international level, the official said.
Pink Villa
3 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Who is Tristen Epps? All About Top Chef Season 22 Winner Impressing Judges With Extraordinary Culinary Skills
Tristen Epps was crowned the winner of Top Chef season 22. The Houston star impressed the judges with his extraordinary culinary skills and the flavors while competing against the other two finalists, Bailey Sullivan and Shuai Wang. Epps served a four-course meal for his final challenge, which not only had the best taste but also included a deep-rooted meaning. The finale episode of the reality show also marked the return of the chef judges from the previous seasons, who joined the contestants as sous chefs. Other guest judges also included Richard Blais and Gregory Goudet. Moreover, Epps' final dish had Afro-Caribbean roots. Who is Tristen Epps? Tristen Epps, who was born in Trinidad, went on to win the 22nd season of Bravo's Top Chef. He developed an interest in cooking from his childhood days, as he spent most of his time traveling the world with his mother, who is in the military. Epps is known to immerse himself completely in the food culture of the countries he travels to. Additionally, the winner of the reality TV show earned his degree in Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management from Johnson & Wales in Charlotte, New York. Ahead of competing in Top Chef, Epps went on to participate in ABC's The Taste in 2014. Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, who was also a part of the 1024 show, went on to become Tristen's mentor, on and off screen. Meanwhile, following his win on Top Chef, Epps dedicated his victory to his late father. He said, "I didn't do it for me; I did it for so many people." He added, "Somebody believed in me enough on their deathbed," referring to his father passing away while the chef was competing in the show. After the tragic news, Tristen Epps had almost made up his mind to quit the competition. However, he stayed back and made history.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Here's Proof That Sobhita Dhulipala And Naga Chaitanya Are The Ultimate Style Duo
Last Updated: Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya are one of the most stylish couples in the industry. Here's a roundup of their best fashion moments. Following their star-studded marriage last year, Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya have emerged as the ultimate style duo. From the time they went public with their relationship, the couple often steps out in breezy yet statement-making ensembles that get everyone talking. At Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee's wedding reception, Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya left fans buzzing with their stunning look. While Sobhita exuded confidence and glamour in a vibrant red saree and a sheer blouse, Naga complemented her in a classic black suit that he had worn with a crisp white shirt. Following this impeccable look that cements them as the ultimate fashion icons, here's a look at some of their other standout fashion moments. Chic in Chiffon and Velvet Sobhita lit up the evening in a breathtaking chiffon saree that blended grace with contemporary charm. The drape featured a dreamy dual-tone palette of soft light green and mint green, embellished with shimmering vertical sequin lines and delicate silver kadhai work along the borders. Draped in classic pleats with the pallu cascading effortlessly over her shoulder, the look was both timeless and fresh. By her side, Naga complemented her perfectly in a regal navy blue velvet bandhgala jacket, styled with a crisp white shirt, matching trousers, and a crimson pocket square. Radiant in Gold View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chay (@chay_akkineni_offl) For Aaliyah Kashyap and Shane Gregoire's wedding reception, Sobhita turned heads in a custom Torani ensemble. Her outfit featured a regal golden sheen paired with a soft pistachio green, styled in the traditional Hyderabadi Khada Dupatta drape – an ode to heritage with a touch of contemporary flair. Complementing her with quiet sophistication, Naga chose a sharply tailored black suit paired with a crisp white shirt. During their European holiday, Sobhita and Naga soaked up the simple joys of travel. In one standout shot, Naga looks effortlessly stylish in a relaxed white and cream ensemble, proving that laid-back fashion can still be sharp. Sobhita matched the vibe with casual grace, pairing blue jeans with a soft grey full-sleeve top. Pristine in Pink and Navy View this post on Instagram A post shared by IFFI (@iffigoa) top videos View all At IIFI Goa, Sobhita stunned in a pale pink Raw Mango kurta set. The delicate Janak kurta, crafted in sheer organza with a silk border and lining, featured intricate gota and dori work inspired by the architectural charm of a jharokha, lending the outfit a regal, old-world elegance. Naga complemented her in a navy suit that he had paired with a light blue shirt. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fashion lifestyle Naga Chaitanya sobhita dhulipala Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: June 13, 2025, 16:52 IST News lifestyle Here's Proof That Sobhita Dhulipala And Naga Chaitanya Are The Ultimate Style Duo
