Monday and Tuesday night music picks

Below find a few of my picks for live local music shows on Monday and Tuesday, July 16 and 17.
Also, check out the Gambit Weekly (a free weekly newspaper) and the Times-Picayune’s (New Orleans’ daily newspaper) Living and Lagniappe sections for other ideas.
Please feel free to add other ideas for good musical outings as you come across them.
A couple of quick notes: 1) Check a map to make sure you know where you are going even if the venue you choose to go to is in the CBD or French Quarter. You may want to take a cab even if I haven’t noted it as necessary here depending on the temperature outside and walking distance. 2) The numbers for United Cab are 504-522-9771 and 504-524-9606.
Here are some of my suggestions for good music venues and shows:

Monday July 16, 2007
Circle Bar: 1032 St. Charles Ave., 504-588-2616
VaVaVoom, 10 pm.
This small bar on Lee Circle is a unique venue for live music. VaVaVoom is a fun band that plays a synthesis of New Orleans jazz and French Gypsy music. Check out their website for more: http://www.vavavoomband.com/

d.b.a.: 618 Frenchmen St., 504-942-3731
Bob French & Friends, 9 pm.
Bob French is a jazz drummer not well known outside of New Orleans. However, his shows are usually well worth a listen.

Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar: 5535 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-891-8500
John Fohl, 9:30 pm.
This uptown cigar bar is a great place to go, especially if you enjoy a nice cigar. John Fohl is well known in New Orleans as a singer/songwriter and performer.
**Not within walking distance of the CBD or French Quarter. A cab or other transportation will be necessary.

Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub: 733 Bourbon St. 504-561-0432
Ryan Burrage and his Rhythmakers, 9 pm
Fritzel’s is one of my favorite spots for traditional jazz in New Orleans. Ryan Burrage leads the house band for 9 o’clock shows Wed.-Sat. This is a repeat listing from the first post, so you know where my allegiance lies J

Snug Harbor: 626 Frenchmen St. 504-949-0696; www.snugjazz.com
Charmaine Neville, 8 and 10 pm.
Ms. Neville always performs a wonderful, soulful show. This would be a great find in a fun venue.

Mulate's: 201 Julia St., 522-1492. http://www.mulates.com/
Latouche Cajun Band, 7 pm.
Mulate’s is located close to the Convention Center and is a great spot for some Cajun food and music. Check out their website for more.

Tuesday July 17, 2007
Maple Leaf Bar: 8316 Oak St. 504-866-9359
Rebirth Brass Band, 10:30 pm.
If you’re looking for something to do after the Closing Banquet this would be my recommendation. You haven’t heard New Orleans music like Rebirth at the Maple Leaf. Be ready for a late night, but one that you’ll hopefully remember for the great music and unique venue.
**Not within walking distance of the CBD or French Quarter. A cab or other transportation will be necessary.

Mid-City Lanes Rock 'N' Bowl: 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-482-3133
Country Night with Country Fried, 8:30 pm.
If you aren’t going to make the Closing Banquet the Rock N’ Bowl might be something fun to do. As the name suggests, you can bowl while listening to local band Country Fried. Here’s a link to the band’s Myspace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47193778
**Not within walking distance of the CBD or French Quarter. A cab or other transportation will be necessary.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe conference in the Crescent City.

Brent Hightower