Visit Historic New Orleans
Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, many people want to show their support for the local residents as they go about the task of rebuilding that great city. As soon as it reopens, tourists will plan their visits, and soon, we hope, the spirit of the city will be uplifted to its original grandeur and elegance. The famous music of New Orleans was originally created with military drums and horns, left by French and US marching military bands. Horns, flutes, drums, and the occasional banjo were worked into an original style that had its roots in Africa. And because the players did not rely upon written compositions - they did not know how to read and write - the music was completely improvised, in keeping with the rich musical heritage of Africa and in the classic tradition of jazz. Indeed, Miles Davis used to say that first he would play a tune; and only afterward would he be able to know what song it was he played. Such is the nature of true jazz, and the nature of the city that gave it to the world.
As the music evolved, so did the nightlife of New Orleans, which is world famous for its nightclubs, bars, and musical venues. The city was not only home to the first European-style opera house in North America, but also to the only officially recognized and legally chartered urban red light brothel district in the history of the USA. Now the historic city is quiet, as people go about the business of rebuilding their lives. But soon they will invite us to join them once more in celebrating the music, nightlife, and unique culture of the city called Big Easy.