When in Nola
New Orleans is like nowhere else in the U.S. Both culturally and structurally, it has its own unique characteristics that make it so different to anywhere else I have ever been. Heavily influenced by French and Spanish culture, New Orleans has a definite European flair that, mixed with an American “Spring Break” feel, makes for a very distinctive and cool city.
Last week, two of my friends and I made the 11-hour drive to Nola for our last collegiate Spring Break, where we stayed in an Airbnb just outside of the French Quarter. We spent our days exploring the city and our nights experiencing the culture. One of the coolest things we experienced was the unique jazz nightlife, something New Orleans is known for.
Per recommendation from a friend, we went to a jazz club called d.b.a., a classic Nola bar with speakeasy vibes, located just outside the main hub on Frenchmen Street. We weren’t sure what to expect, but decided to check it out anyway, eager to experience some authentic New Orleans nightlife. We weren’t disappointed.
The night that we were there, Glen David Andrews and his band were performing; it was amazing. As someone who grew up playing an instrument, I was able to appreciate the truly impressive musical talent that each member exhibited. The lead singer was interactive and captivating while the band played with so much energy it felt like the roof might fall in. It made for an amazing performance. We were entranced; we stood and sang and danced and cheered for four hours with Glen David Andrews and his entourage. And the most extraordinary thing of all was that it was authentic. The music was played with their own hands and breath on worn instruments, not a synthetic keyboard with added rhythms from a computer.
The evening at d.b.a. reminded me how much culture there is in our own backyard; we just have to be open to trying it out. I’m so glad we opted for a locals’ night out instead of sticking to what we know, because it definitely paid off.
Watch the GoPro video I made of the whole trip, featuring a short clip from d.b.a.!
