Louisiana New Orleans New Orleans was founded in 1718 and named after Philippe Duc D'Orl ans. Today, this little outpost is called 'The Big Easy', a city known worldwide for jazz, Creole cuisine, riverboats and carnivals.
Music plays an integral part in the unique atmosphere of New Orleans.
Old-line musicians play classic tunes during brunch and dinner, street musicians huddle in doorways at dusk to perform, and free concerts are offered weekly in the French Market . Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick Jr, Fats Domino, Pete Fountain, the Neville Brothers and Jelly Roll Morton are all part of the city's rich musical heritage. There is more music in New Orleans than ever before with Zydeco, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, Dixieland, gospel, Cajun music and country joining the jazz tradition. To hear traditional jazz at its best, one should visit Bourbon Street or Preservation Hall , where musicians play every evening. Music festivals include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival which takes place in April and May each year.