02 · GALLERY
Five frames.
The House of Blues chain has its faults, but the New Orleans flagship in the French Quarter is the room that justifies the name. Three floors, Mississippi-Delta folk-art covering every surface, a 1,000-capacity main hall and a 250-cap Parish room upstairs that touring acts use for off-night residencies. The Sunday Gospel Brunch starts at 9:30am and runs to 2pm: a four-piece gospel band, white tablecloths, biscuits and bourbon. The roof opens in summer. The architecture is fake-old, but New Orleans music makes it true.
The Parish room upstairs is the hidden gem. 250 cap, intimate, where touring acts blow the roof off.
A chain venue rescued by the cultural rooting of its city. New Orleans makes the room.
Friday and Saturday nights for the main hall touring acts. Sunday Gospel Brunch 09:30 to 14:00 is the signature programming. Avoid Mardi Gras week (programming pauses for the parade days).
Doors typically 19:00 for evening shows, music to midnight or later. Sunday Gospel Brunch in the Foundation Room 09:30 to 14:00. The Parish room upstairs runs separate programming.
French Quarter, walk to 225 Decatur Street between Bienville and Iberville. From Bourbon Street, three blocks south. From the Hilton or Marriott, ten-minute walk. The complex is signposted with the famous folk-art facade.