Frenchmen Street, the heart of musical New Orleans

The Young Fellaz Brass Band performs at Vaso on Frenchmen Street. The band plays long, spirited sets and can sometimes be seen performing on the streets around town.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Beloved New Orleans cult rocker and experimental noise-maker Quintron plays a packed show with his wife, Miss Pussycat, at One Eyed Jacks. The venue is one of the few Bourbon Street-adjacent live clubs that locals still flock to.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Eric Gordon and the Lazy Boys perform at Maison on Frenchmen Street.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Meghan Stewart and the Reboppers perform a daytime set inside The Spotted Cat jazz bar.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The exterior of The Spotted Cat, which features great local and touring jazz all day and night.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Tourists take a carriage ride down the main drag of Frenchmen Street, where a two-block stretch of road houses nearly a dozen great live music clubs.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

A plate of basil, pine nut and cheese ravioli with smoked tomato cream sauce is served with a side of crisp pickle chips at Three Muses on Frenchmen Street, which features live music in addition to tasty food.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The cozy interior of a room inside the Hermann House at the Dauphine Orleans hotel. The rooms feature a Jacuzzi tub, a flat-screen TV and a large balcony above the street.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)