We came to New Orleans for our 2-week Jazz Fest honeymoon, and selected John as our host because he is an expert on the local music scene and his house is walking distance to the Fairgrounds. Our goal was to see as many shows as possible -- both at the Fest and at local venues -- and we were not disappointed! John helped us choose which acts to see at Jazz Fest (we attended 5 out of the 7 days), and arranged for us to also check out many of the great local acts playing around town. We caught 33 shows in 13 days!
He gave us some great ideas for checking out local tourist attractions & restaurants, introduced us to the many local musicians who stopped in to visit him, and opened up his kitchen so we could cook some of our meals at the house. John entertained us with his southern charm and regaled us with many stories about the local culture. We felt completely "at home" in his house and were able to relax and let our hair down.
Staying at John's is like temporarily living with a charismatic roommate who can just as easily entertain you as leave you to your own devices. His house is comfortable and lived-in, and his two kitty cats are friendly and adorable. The futon mattress is comfortable and there is plenty of hot water for showers. John offers incredible value for travelers on a budget -- what you give up in luxury, you gain in local flavor.