spring 2025

Spring Fever: Premier Shows That Are All the Buzz

February 24, 2025

If you’re a fan of beloved Broadway shows, classical music, gripping dance performances, or cutting-edge comedians, then it’s time to spring into action with these buzz-worthy shows that are sure to be the bee’s knees!

Joy Theater – thejoytheater.com
Mar. 27: W. Kamau Bell – Who’s With Me?
The comedian, filmmaker and Emmy winner returns to the stand-up stage, full of questions, thoughts, and a heavy dollop of silliness in these hectic times.

Apr. 4: Kathleen Madigan – The Day Drinking Tour

Preservation Hall: Preserving New Orleans Jazz

by Kim Welsh

February 24, 2025

Through the iron gate on St. Peter St. lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. It’s small and simple but a little magic happens there daily. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is dedicated to preserving the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and they play four white-hot, hour-long sets each day.

Rising Rhythm: New Orleans Jazz Museum Unveils a New Economy Hall Exhibit

by Cheryl Lemoine

February 24, 2025

Generally speaking, when Economy Hall is mentioned in conversation, it’s typically regarding the lively, crowd-filled stage nestled within the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival that radiates electric sounds of jazz, blues, brass and other distinctly Crescent City musical notes. However, the original Economy Hall, which dates back to 1857, not only had roots in music but also played a vital role in shaping the city’s cultural legacy.

Did You Know? Fun Facts About the French Quarter

by French Quarterly

February 24, 2025

The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, which translates to "Old Square" in French, is the historic heart of New Orleans and home to the oldest residential community in America, with over 4,000 residents and 15 million visitors annually. The oldest surviving residence is Madame John's Legacy built in 1789.

Keep it Casual... Laid Back Dining in the Big Easy

by Michelle Jones

February 24, 2025

When it comes to dining, New Orleans is certainly a food destination. With almost 1.300 restaurants in the city, it’s an embarrassment of riches, which sometimes it makes it hard to choose. Most of the time, people want a more casual option that is budget-friendly but still offers the great food New Orleans is known for throughout the world. Here are a few spots to consider this spring while you’re here.

Café Beignet: cafebeignet.com
622 Canal St.
600 Decatur St.
311 Bourbon St.
334 Royal St.

Raise a Glass to Festival Season!

by Kim Welsh

February 24, 2025

It’s our favorite time of year! Spring has sprung and the bead trees, our native species, are adorned with purple, green and gold shiny blooms. Our Spring festival season includes Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, St Patrick’s Day, and many more opportunities to celebrate. Mild weather invites us to imbibe in a cocktail or three alfresco in one of our many beautiful and charmingly romantic courtyards. Here are a few of our favorite places to bask in fresh air and glorious weather while enjoying a few refreshing sips.

Springtime in NOLA Calendar of Events March - May

by French Quarterly

February 24, 2025

Untitled Document

Mar. 3, 2025
Zulu Lundi Gras Festival

James Michalopoulos Visual Interpreter of New Orleans

by Kim Welsh

February 24, 2025

We all eagerly await our first glance at the highly coveted and collectable Jazz Fest posters each year. Have you seen the magnificent poster for this year’s Jazz Fest painted by one of our most well-known, influential, and recognizable living painters, James Michalopoulos? He has become an iconic figure in New Orleans’ vibrant landscape, renowned for his distinctive artistic style and deep connection to the city. He lives as he paints; rhythmically, with heavy texture, dynamic movement and purpose. His paintings are in prestigious collections world-wide.

"Drawing the Music" Capturing How Music Makes Us Feel

by Kim Welsh

February 24, 2025

Emilie Rhys is a supremely talented third-generation artist who specializes in depicting New Orleans musicians, French Quarter rooftop views, and cityscapes. In her serene French Quarter gallery, Scene by Rhys Fine Art at 1036 Royal St., she paints portraits on canvas and smaller images on copper plates. Often spotted at music venues, she spontaneously draws pen and ink drawings of performing musicians with remarkable accuracy. Her renderings capture the immediacy of improvisation. The only thing she enjoys more than hearing music is to "draw the music" while it's playing.