Maison Bourbon Jazz Club, New Orleans

the maison bourbon preservation hall is a jazz club located on bourbon street. the live entertainment is dixieland and traditional jazz. maison bourbon is a very good jazz club but don't be confused by their name. the original preservation hall is located at 726 st. peter street.

Dress Code: casual.

Because of it's central location in the French Quarter, on Bourbon Street, this Jazz Club focuses on traditional jazz and dixieland. With staples as Bourbon Street Parade and When the Saint go Marching In, the live bands cater to the tourist crowd -- so the sets are great introductions to an audience that isn't quite familiar with the genre. The setting is casual and the atmosphere is fun.

The location causes this place to be crowded on weekends and special holidays -- including Mardi Gras. You might have to wait around outside before finding a seat. Don't worry, they keep the doors open (all of them) so you can still be a part of it all.

Dress Code: No dress code at this place. Come as you are.

We quickly got tired of hearing the standard rock cover bands that you can find anywhere, and were drawn to the authentic sounds of Maison Bourbon. There's no cover - drinks are $6.75 - one drink per set requested, even though there was no pressure to keep buying drinks. By 9 pm on a Saturday, it was packed. It's clear that the band plays for the enjoyment of it - by searching biographies of the guys there that night I found that they all have full music careers. It's like they'd be in there jammin' even if the room was empty. Just around the corner from Preservation Hall (where it's hard to get in) and I thought the band was a little better. They don't try to be so bluesy and work harder to make sure you have a good time. Must be over 21 - but isn't everything on Bourbon Street for "over 21". If you must, they'll put seats outside the chain for the kids.

Dress Code: Casual off the street

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This is the kind of club that keeps jazz alive, regardless of what else is going on in the world. It's been a fixture on Bourbon St for many years. Any jazz lover who comes here should visit this spot. The music is mainly traditional Dixieland, played in the old style.

While I enjoy all kinds of jazz, this style has never gotten old for me. Some prefer more modern music, and shun Dixieland. But sometimes that's what I'm in the mood to hear. Let's all hope that this music never dies out.

Dress Code: Casual, as it is on Bourbon St.

Another Jazz club/bar which is right around the corner from Preservation Hall (if I'm remembering that correctly) is the Maison Bourbon Jazz Club. This place specializes in piping great jazz out the doors and windows, giving you that true New Orleans sound for your ears to feast on as you walk up and down Bourbon Street.

More often than not, the sounds are too tempting and people will file into this place from the street to sit, relax, have a drink and enjoy the sight and sound of a first class Jazz Band.

I myself was drawn in by the sounds and didn't regret the diversion. This nice open air club serves up the drinks and the entertainment in large doses. Enjoy!

Dress Code: Casual - Walk in off the street.

Our favorite traditional jazz spot is Maison Bourbon on Bourbon Street. This spot is home to some of New Orleans finest professional jazz musicians. Any time, day or night, you can hear the cool tunes wafting out of the open air entrance.

Our favorite here, or anywhere for that matter, is Jamil Sharif, who comes on at 9:00 pm on weekends. (Actually, I think he's there on Thursday too.) He is the greatest! Really true to his New Orleans roots. He puts on a fabulous show! He also has several CD's out. Fantastic New Orleans musician!!

Have a drink and enjoy!

Dress Code: None