By Michael Baginski/ Big surprise and what took so long? New Orleans has been designated a ‘creative city’ for music by UNESCO, joining a distinguished list of 75 other global places, and second in the U.S. (after Kansas City).
The UNESCO Creative Cities committee looks for cities that demonstrate “a deep, authentic integration of creativity into their urban development… showing both a rich creative heritage and a forward-looking vision that benefits the entire community.”
I would simply say that the New Orleans sound is intrinsic to the city, ubiquitous when there, and immediately identifiable even when you aren’t.
Moreover, “New Orleans, Louisiana is home to some of the world’s most unique cultural heritage elements that have created the alchemy and foundation for musical genres such as, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Bounce and beyond,” observes band leader Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, a member of the New Orleans UNESCO Creative Cities of Music Advisory Board.
New Orleans Dixieland could be summed up by “When the Saints Go Marching In” – the infectious unofficial anthem of the city. And when played by New Orleans’ longstanding unofficial house band, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, it truly is a march to heaven.
From Louis Armstrong to Professor Longhair, and Fats Domino to the Neville Brothers, there is no shortage of New Orleans legends.
And plenty of places to hear it – in cafés, clubs, and authentic auditoriums (like Preservation Hall), across the city from Bourbon to Frenchman streets.
After all, music is in New Orleans’ DNA. And, as such, it’s just as likely to be found in some random dive bar, on a funeral march, or even an unassuming street corner. To which we give you Tuba Skinny, who inspires not only us, but clearly dancing passersby as well.
Check out our ‘Listening In’ archive at https://travelindustrytoday.com/infocus-listening-in/