What's your favorite night show venue/club and why?

[jailbait vagrant]

I'm gonna have to go with the Maple Leaf because of the po' boys they cook up in the alley. Boy that catfish po'boy hits the spot at 3AM and gives you a nice second wind to keep on boogying!

Also got to mention Tipitina's just cause. I want to bring a basketball next time I go so I can shoot some hoops on the funky backboard!

[eat_mo_crawfish]

I've become a big fan of Banks Street Bar. No cover (may be different during Fest), strong dinks, real neighborhood feel. And it's literally a stone's throw from Rock 'n Bowl.

[candygetsfunky]

Can I count frenchman st as a venue, so cool being able to just walk out of one place and into another, and so close to the quarter is a bonus.

Any word on Blue Nile re-opening, Im guessing not, the property is on sale for 1.7 million

[electric_lady]

it's the Apple Barrel (Frenchman) and Le Bon Temps Roule (Magazine) for me! the Apple Barrel is about the size of a pea, I love seeing live bands crammed in there. Le Bon Temps is just a big party in my experience, and it's got a great atmosphere.

[ac_deadhead]

love the radiators SNAFU shows... always a high energy gig with lots of cool jams and rarities.

also, winding down the fest sunday night at cafe brazil with the iguanas is cool.

[Amy Winette]

I think I've got to go Tips. Love that balcony!

[saturn]

Depends on my mood

Love the quirkiness of the RockNBowl - I always have a good time there.

I also love Spotted Cat - just a great tiny venue.

[Zydekitten]

Love, love, love:

- Anything on Frenchmen St., but especially Spotted Cat, Apple Barrel, dba and Dream Palace (as I still like to think of the Blue Nile - I hope it comes back). Also 13 is a great place for late night eats and a fine jukebox.

- Rock n' Bowl. Great place to see Sonny, Snooks and others in front of the stage, but even better when you're bowling - 'cause there ain't no shoes better for dancing than bowling shoes ('cept maybe red cowboy boots)!

- Dragon's Den. I had one of the most incredible nights ever there, shaking what my momma gave me to Rebirth and having to duck under the trombone slide, we where so close to the band on the wee tiny stage.

- Funky Butt (R.I.P.). I competed in their Miss Funky Butt contest (the lightweight division) to mark their 2nd anniversary several years ago (and I wasn't even drunk at the time) - with Henry Butler as the judge. Memorable evening (among many) at a great club.

- Donna's. Not only THE place to see Brass Band, but you can't beat their BBQ and red beans and rice on the weekends.

- Vaughn's on Thursday nights for Kermit.

- And of course, Tip's! The balcony is the best place to see acts there. Don't miss the Instruments' A Comin' fundraiser during Jazzfest - I go every year and it's one of the best nighttime shows on the Daze In Between!

[NeenAtlanta]

Hey Zydekitty - I miss the Funky Butt too. It was always my favorite. One of my Pet De Kat friends was a finalist that year in the competition. Henry Butler loved her funky butt, but the other contestant flashed her boobs and won. Was that you???

First friday at the Butt was a regular thing for me every year. Usually the lineup included the Wild Maggies, and it was hot sweaty goodness!

I loved the fact that you got several acts for one. And also in more recent years, you got into Mama's and the Funky Butt for one price, which was great.

[Zydekitten]

Hey Zydekitty - I miss the Funky Butt too. It was always my favorite. One of my Pet De Kat friends was a finalist that year in the competition. Henry Butler loved her funky butt, but the other contestant flashed her boobs and won. Was that you???

First friday at the Butt was a regular thing for me every year. Usually the lineup included the Wild Maggies, and it was hot sweaty goodness!

I loved the fact that you got several acts for one. And also in more recent years, you got into Mama's and the Funky Butt for one price, which was great.
Hey, Queen Neen!

Yeah [sniff], I do miss it and was happy when Big Sam and his wife bought it just before the storm to keep it going.

Nope, I wouldn't win any contests (except those put on by the Itty Bitty Titty Committee) by flashing my girls.

Actually, what really burned my biscuits about the contest was that the "winner" of lightweight division was NO lightweight!! That beyotch had some junk in her trunk . . . I did kvetch to Henry about it later that night/morning at the FB.

So, Kitten officially has a non-funky butt. Just judge for yourself:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/hw8_03.jpg

[sophisticated sissy]

All these places named here, I love 'em, too! There are as many different reasons for loving the clubs as there are bands.


One thing that can make a difference about going to a bar without males in the party is an excellent bartender.

In '04, a group of my gal pals and I were at Tipitina's. We had the most wonderful bartender that night. He took such great care of us, kept our glasses full, emptied the ashtrays, chatted with us, and watched our backs , so to speak. By that I mean he'd take our purses for us and store them behind the bar when we'd all want to go out on the dance floor.

Of course, we had made a point of tipping early and consistently all night. But, he was so good, we were tipping him with tens & twins by the end of the night! We had such a great night, partly due to his effort.

When we gave him the tip for the last round, he tried to give it back to us!
But, we made him keep it and told him,"No! You're the best bartender we've ever had in New Orleans!"

When he called the cab for us, he requested that the driver come inside for us. He was really excellent.
I wish I could remember his name!:o

[Corona]

Sissy that's a great story! :)

hmmmm....favorite venues....ummmm....

#1 would be Tips- yyr about the balcony!

#2 d.b.a. on Frenchmen

#3 The Maple Leaf- LOVED it and can't wait to go back!

#4 Le Bon Temps Roulez on Magazine. Always have had a total blast in there.

#5 Rays Boom Boom Room- fabulous venue. Can't wait to see the lineup for fest week!

Overall though Frenchmen St. is my absolute favorite...strolling from bar to bar and letting the music tell me where to go.

[Jada]

There's no way I could make that choice. I love so many! Whether it's b/c it's a great dive bar, always a party going on, has opium den like qualities, awesome acoustics, out of the ordinary, great music no matter if it's a Saturday or Wednesday night, has tacky ashtrays, fond memories, good bar-keep chat or incredible late night shows. Too many to choose from...

[swag]

Yeah, that's too hard. Trying to compare Tips to the Apple Barrel is like trying to compare crawfish monica to a softshelled crab po boy. It just can't be done...

[Stella Blue]

I will go with Donnas -- specifically on a night when Shannon Powell or the New Orleans Jazz Vipers are playing. The last time I saw the Vipers there, they were singing into the air, no mics. The last time I saw Powell there, he was rapping on the side of his drum, keeping time and watching the door, wondering what musician might wander off Basin Street to sit in with the jam.
All these memories -- and the thread that Mo Fest is coming back.
This is a great day.

[bluesgirl]

The Rock 'n' Bowl because I get to dance on the bar.

[jailbait vagrant]

Yeah, that's too hard. Trying to compare Tips to the Apple Barrel is like trying to compare crawfish monica to a softshelled crab po boy. It just can't be done...

I realize it's hard to compare and say which is better since they're all great. Nevertheless I'm reading a lot of great posts and learning more about lesser known places that I've been so that's why I started this thread.

Keep the stories coming!

one more cool little place to mention if Fritzel's. I stumbled upon this cool place at the end of Bourbon in '05 and found to to be an awesome little jazz club

[funkkjunkie]

The list of clubs i've gotten to experience grows slowly every year. At the top of my wanna go there list are Donna's, Ray's boomboom room, preservation hall and the new howling wolf.
I just love les bon temps roule. Small and always rockin and places to sit along the wall outside. Rocknbowl cause where else can you bowl and dance to a great band at the same time? Great memories from being out on the neutral ground during instruments a comin at tips. My discovery last year was one eyed jacks on toulouse in the quarter. Saw olu dara there.
I miss mermaid lounge. Saw a great AllThat show there. And I miss the funky butt. I was there the night you were in the FB contest, kitty. And it was my first wild maggies show. My first injuns.

[pokerchick66]

(( I was there the night you were in the FB contest, kitty.))

What's FB? Fatback? Fishbait? Fullback? Freebird?

Fabulous boobs?

[stlbarb]

Dos Jefes Cigar Bar - no cover and never crowded. and because of its ventilation system its actually a lot less smoky than most clubs. i love the coconut shrimp.

[VWGal]

There's so many I haven't been to yet but can say that based on my research to date Tips and Rock n Bowl are my favourites, but very closely tied with the Frenchman stroll. Not sure which ones to add to the 2007 MUST VISIT list...

[neverleft]

I'd have to say that the Howlin Wolf Club when Vinyl takes the stage at 4am and plays till dawn. That had to be one of my favorites. Also anynight on Frenchman Street with all the clubs rockin, is just the best.

[Amy Winette]

I liked the old Howlin Wolf now Republic a lot too.

Is that a pix at the patry Neverleft?

[neverleft]

Yea, it sure is. I had a great time there.

[Amy Winette]

Excellent!! I thought I recognized those bugs :)

[Freakwinox]

So many great places. I like the Old Point when I know I can get a ride back. I miss the Mermaid.

[neverleft]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/neverleft/DSCF0125.jpg
After the bugs I had this
Excellent!! I thought I recognized those bugs :)

[VWGal]

I still have the empty syringes, but can't imagine why I can't get anyone to adopt the idea for one of our corporate hosting events. Jeez.

[Amy Winette]

Yay, we saved our syringes too :)

I don't know if there will be jello shots this year, though I do hope so :)

[funkkjunkie]

I left out Old Point. Made my first visit there last year to see the campbell brothers. Took us 3 cabbies to find someone who would venture over there. Seems like we caught a ride with someone coming back-maybe Jordan. Hey Jordan, where y'at?

[neverleft]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/neverleft/DSCF0123_2.jpg
Then I danced with the bugs. (I wanted to dance slow, but they wouldn't let me)

[VWGal]

Amy, one day I will pass and my kids will be looking through my things and find them, only to wonder "what the heck was Mom doing"!

[VWGal]

PS: fine lookin bugs there, Neverleft! Some of us are in Jazzfest training and are severely calorie deprived!

[Amy Winette]

Haha, I'm going to have to lock away trunks of stuff when I have kids ;)

[Amy Winette]

Love your expression Neverleft! That's how you should look at the patry :)

[neverleft]

PS: fine lookin bugs there, Neverleft! Some of us are in Jazzfest training and are severely calorie deprived!
Don't eat your food, just dance with your food, (food for thought)

[neverleft]

Love your expression Neverleft! That's how you should look at the patry :)
Thanks I guess, I'll be like this.

[pokerchick66]

Love your expression Neverleft! That's how you should look at the patry :)

And this is how you should look at the patry:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o231/monica7966/Jazzfest-2006-017.jpg


And this:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o231/monica7966/Jazzfest-2006-023.jpg

[sophisticated sissy]

It's our beautiful Wine Goddess!!!

[neverleft]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/neverleft/DSCF0097.jpg
I may be like this too

[Amy Winette]

Aww, those are some great smiles we've got at the patry, aren't they??

[ohio]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/neverleft/DSCF0123_2.jpg
Then I danced with the bugs. (I wanted to dance slow, but they wouldn't let me)
Great pic!

[neverleft]

Great pic!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/neverleft/DSCF0124_1.jpg
How about this one

[Corona]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/neverleft/DSCF0125.jpg
After the bugs I had this
Robbie! How are you??? Long time no see! Love the patry pics :)

[Corona]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/neverleft/DSCF0124_1.jpg
How about this one
That's a cute pic of Trish!

[Corona]

Awesome pics everyone! Thanks. Neverleft, that's at Mardi Gras huh? You gonna be there this year?

[NYMAMA]

1. DONNAS
2.SPOTTED CAT
3. SNUG HARBOUR

ALL GREAT SMALL VENUES TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS,HEAR GREAT LIVE MUSIC, AND PARTAKE OF THE NECTOR OF THE GODS.

[jazzykeb]

Carrolton Station (just cause no one's mentioned it yet). And does Check Point Charlies count as a night show venue/club (usually a morning venue for us!)

[NeenAtlanta]

The list of clubs i've gotten to experience grows slowly every year. At the top of my wanna go there list are Donna's, Ray's boomboom room, preservation hall and the new howling wolf.
I just love les bon temps roule. Small and always rockin and places to sit along the wall outside. Rocknbowl cause where else can you bowl and dance to a great band at the same time? Great memories from being out on the neutral ground during instruments a comin at tips. My discovery last year was one eyed jacks on toulouse in the quarter. Saw olu dara there.
I miss mermaid lounge. Saw a great AllThat show there. And I miss the funky butt. I was there the night you were in the FB contest, kitty. And it was my first wild maggies show. My first injuns.

Yeah, I miss the Mermaid as much as the Funky Butt! That was a helluva night wasn't it? All That was smokin!

[ozzie]

I think I've got to go Tips. Love that balcony!

There's a balcony? Oh jeesh!

[Headless Hornman]

Hey Zydekitty - I miss the Funky Butt too. It was always my favorite. One of my Pet De Kat friends was a finalist that year in the competition. Henry Butler loved her funky butt, but the other contestant flashed her boobs and won.



This image piqued my curiosity so I found Henry's website and discovered he's got some amazing talents and a great outlook on life. Check out his photography:

http://www.jonathanferraragallery.com/past_henry_butler.html
http://www.jonathanferraragallery.com/henrybutler_times2_review.html


Although he was blinded by glaucoma in infancy and has no memory of seeing, he does get images in his mind. When Andrea explains a scene he wants to photograph, or someone describes what they see in one of his pictures, he gains an insight into how people see things.

"That's very, very interesting to me," he said. "It's just so much fun to have everyone involved."

...Taking photographs, making music and sharing his gifts with kids are just a few of the many ways Henry tries to understand more about the world around him

"When we went to Ireland five or six years ago, I played darts," he said. "Of course, we had people moving out of the way pretty fast, but I was hitting bull's-eyes a lot."

He also has bowled, skied cross-country, shot pool and had several memorable driving experiences.

"It's all about finding balance," he said. "It's about living a joyous life."

[Headless Hornman]

Of course, we had made a point of tipping early and consistently all night. But, he was so good, we were tipping him with tens & twins by the end of the night!



I hear you can win the Funky Butt competition that way ;)

[Headless Hornman]

Sorry for the drift. To answer the question, I guess it would have to be Tip's, mostly for the years of great shows I've seen there. I do miss the Dream Palace; loved the painted ceiling.

And I'm embarassed to admit that I've never been to Rock n Bowl. Hopefully that will change this year.

[dank_bass]

love the radiators SNAFU shows... always a high energy gig with lots of cool jams and rarities.

also, winding down the fest sunday night at cafe brazil with the iguanas is cool.

This show is posted on jazzfestgrids.com now

[Moon]

I miss the Mermaid and the Funky Butt. I also miss Jimmy's and Monaco Bob's Touchdown Lounge. My favorite New Orleans club will always be the Maple Leaf.

I can't believe this place hasn't received any votes:

http://www.snakeandjakes.com/mainmenu.html

[NeenAtlanta]

Hey, Queen Neen!

Yeah [sniff], I do miss it and was happy when Big Sam and his wife bought it just before the storm to keep it going.

Nope, I wouldn't win any contests (except those put on by the Itty Bitty Titty Committee) by flashing my girls.

Actually, what really burned my biscuits about the contest was that the "winner" of lightweight division was NO lightweight!! That beyotch had some junk in her trunk . . . I did kvetch to Henry about it later that night/morning at the FB.

So, Kitten officially has a non-funky butt. Just judge for yourself:

[/IMG]

Ahh - just realized you said the "lightweight" division. Our girl Phylis was in the heavyweight division.

[Festvet]

Was the Mermaid Lounge

Is: Howlin Wolf/Old Point (early shows)
Tips or Maple Leaf (Late shows)
Frenchman St (Dragon Smoke)
One-Eyed Jack's (unusual acts)
Circle Bar (late late nightcap)

[Amy Winette]

There's a balcony? Oh jeesh!

Yes Oz, it might have been dangerous for you to attempt more stairs last year but we'll get you up there this year :)

[Zydekitten]

Ahh - just realized you said the "lightweight" division. Our girl Phylis was in the heavyweight division.
Ah, well - see that makes the boob flashing gambit more likely to sway the winning decision . . .

;)

[Zydekitten]

I left out Old Point. Made my first visit there last year to see the campbell brothers. Took us 3 cabbies to find someone who would venture over there. Seems like we caught a ride with someone coming back-maybe Jordan. Hey Jordan, where y'at?
Me too, FJ!! I also had quite the adventure getting over there via cab - my laryngitis and the Eastern European/new NOLA cabbie who didn't know how to get to Algiers was a verry interesting combo!! Not to mention - trying to snag a cab back home that night/morning . . .

Great bar/club and totally kick-ass show though!!

:D

[Zydekitten]

(( I was there the night you were in the FB contest, kitty.))

What's FB? Fatback? Fishbait? Fullback? Freebird?

Fabulous boobs?
Well . . . definitely NOT the latter, 'specially compared to your girls!

FB in this case, refers to Funky Butt - when I competed in the Miss Funky Butt contest (in the lightweight division). :o

[pokerchick66]

Well . . . definitely NOT the latter, 'specially compared to your girls!

FB in this case, refers to Funky Butt - when I competed in the Miss Funky Butt contest (in the lightweight division). :o

Funky Butttt!! That was gonna be my next guess. ;)

Did you win?

[Zydekitten]

No, some fat arsed chick (who was a middleweight) at least won the lightweight division! :rolleyes:

I was quite cheesed and did confront Henry about it later in the F.B. stairwell . . . so [sigh] I officially have a non-funky butt :D

[pokerchick66]

No, some fat arsed chick (who was a middleweight) at least won the lightweight division! :rolleyes:

I was quite cheesed and did confront Henry about it later in the F.B. stairwell . . . so [sigh] I officially have a non-funky butt :D

((and did confront Henry about it later in the F.B. stairwell . .))

Boy, I would have liked to have been a fly on that wall! :D

[nyc gal]

snake&jakes!! whoa. I just remembered Ive been there...reallyy late, right after "the thing"...the neighborhood was a ghost town...I drank wine.


I have one of Henry Butler's photos. verrrry cool cat, that Henry.

[Zydekitten]

((and did confront Henry about it later in the F.B. stairwell . .))

Boy, I would have liked to have been a fly on that wall! :D

;);):D

[jailbait vagrant]

no votes for the Disneyfied House of Blues?!?! sadly they get good shows so that's why I've spent time there. It's not terrible, especially the Parish, but there are definitely so many great and genuine venues around town that trump that corporate owned venue

[Festvet]

Me too, FJ!! I also had quite the adventure getting over there via cab - my laryngitis and the Eastern European/new NOLA cabbie who didn't know how to get to Algiers was a verry interesting combo!! Not to mention - trying to snag a cab back home that night/morning . . .

Great bar/club and totally kick-ass show though!!

:D
just one more reason to rent a car.

[Goose]

I have to go with Rosy's as my favorite venue...i love the space and the courtyard. Tip's and Maple Leaf are tied for a close second.

Also, I have a special place in my heart for Benny's (no longer there correct?) as I was there for my first night show of my first fest the Wed of days between in '97. Saw a band there called Monkey Ranch (Theresa Andersson, Anders Osborne, Dave Malone, Willie Green and a couple others). I knew that night I was part of something really special. :) Was anyone else on this board at that show???

[doodahman]

yep, Tips, and the Maple leaf fo' sure.... I love to go eat at Jauqe-imo's as well....

[Festvet]

I have to go with Rosy's as my favorite venue...i love the space and the courtyard. Tip's and Maple Leaf are tied for a close second.

Also, I have a special place in my heart for Benny's (no longer there correct?) as I was there for my first night show of my first fest the Wed of days between in '97. Saw a band there called Monkey Ranch (Theresa Andersson, Anders Osborne, Dave Malone, Willie Green and a couple others). I knew that night I was part of something really special. :) Was anyone else on this board at that show???
Can't say I've ben to Benny's but I have seen Monkey Ranch on several occasions with the above line-up and also incl. Reggie Scanlan & Tab Benoit. Most recently was maybe 4 years ago at Tip's.

[Festvet]

Can't say I've ben to Benny's but I have seen Monkey Ranch on several occasions with the above line-up and also incl. Reggie Scanlan & Tab Benoit. Most recently was maybe 4 years ago at Tip's.
Some other oldies to ponder...

Muddy Waters on Oak St, the Living Room, Red Room, Jimmy's, El Matador, Absinthe Bar (not to be confused w/ Absinthe House), Shim Sham