Where to find good live delta blues music

[downoffthemountain]

I've visited the french quarter and had some fun but I never really enjoyed the "standing room only - shoulder to shoulder with tons of people" scene for 2 hrs being assaulted by music so loud you can't enjoy it.
What I'm really looking for is that "out of the way" dive where, other than the dance floor - which is actually being used for dancing, everyone is sitting down, relaxing, enjoying their cold beverages of choice and listening to the music.
Does such a place exist?

[TidewateR]

so many places to choose from....most bars on frenchman street will fit your needs (try DBA- great beer selection on tap)...or tip's on magazine (can be shoulder to shoulder depending on the band)... The maple leaf uptown is low key...I like the Le Bon Temps uptown on magazine (free raw oysters on friday--pre oil spill though)...The howl'n wolf gets some bigger names...One eyed jacks in the quarter is nice and smoke free..

Most of these venues will fit the bill...
http://www.wwoz.org/new+orleans+community/music+calendar

[JK12]

drive up to the missisppi delta! there are lots of good jukes up that way. But if you wanna search the new orleans area there are lots of little bars around the french quarter that have good live music and a relaxed atmosphere. you just have to search around.

[buddhaman]

This guy, Chad, is from Lafayette and has an awesome recording studio up in Kansas. Every October he puts on a weekend long concert in the old church/recording studio that is totally kickass. Check it out!

http://www.blueheavenstudios.com/

[buddhaman]

A place that isn't too far away is in Gautier MS, exit 57 off I-10, The Shed BarBQue. Friday's and Saturday's they have live music and they also have a blues festival some time during the year.

http://www.theshedbbq.com/ordereze/default.aspx

[FatGuyPedaling]

Immediately after Katrina I was working in Gautier. "The Shed" was literally the only thing open and I spent much time there. Good food, good music, fun place.

As for NOLA, TidewateR had good suggestions. I'll 2nd DBA on Frechman. They have a fantastic bar, early shows (6pm, usually free), and late shows (10 pm moderate cover). The Spotted Cat and the Apple Barrel are across the street from DBA and both regularly have music and can be fun. Uptown, don't forget "RocknBowl" on Carrolton is a great place. Strong regular line-up of top line local talent, and bowling if you're interested.

www.rocknbowl.com

[FatGuyPedaling]

If you are interested in a bit of a road trip into MS here's a great web site with directions/descriptions of some of the best off the beaten track locals around.

http://www.deltablues.net/

[downoffthemountain]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I've been to DBA and enjoyed it - nice selection of beer, good music but it was still standing room only. I fully intend to check it out again. In fact the Honey Island Swamp Band is playing there the end of August. I've never seen them play, but I like the sound on their website. As for roadtripping to Miss to check out the Shed & other places, I'm totally game.

[FatGuyPedaling]

Honey Island Swamp Band, lots of fun. For a bit more room to move check out RocknBowl, or the early shows at DBA.

[buddhaman]

Good blues Friday night at House of Blues.

What: A CD release Party for Big "Al" Carson and the Blues Masters
When: Friday Aug 20th 8 P.M. Doors open at 7
Where; The House of Blues 225 Decatur St. New Orleans La. 70130
Who; Rabadash Recording Artists

Lindsay Mendez and the Back Seat Drivers
Waylon Thibodeaux
Big Daddy 'O'
Big "Al" Carson and the Blues Masters

[Cobia 1]

I don't know if Rubys Roadhouse in Mandeville is still open, but it has always been a good time. If you want real blues and have the time, go to Clarksville, MS at the junction of Hwy 49 and Hwy 61. Club Zero even has rooms on top to stay in.
You are away from the big city and right in the middle of the Delta. If you like blues, know the history, then you must visit the place!

[buddhaman]

Shoot, Cobia. That sounds like fun. Wanna make a run up there? Just don't tell Gairi. You know how jealous he gets when he finds out you've gone out with someone else! By the way, you going to Pack & Paddle tonight? I'll be there for 6pm.

[northshoretiger]

We don't get to head out for a show too often, but I'll give you a buzz when we do. If you like reggae we are going to see Matisyahu at The Republic Thursday. If I am in the City and within walking distance, you can bet that I will be at the Apple Barrel at some point. DBA was a favorite spot but I haven't been in a while - I find myself spending more time at Cafe Negril and Blue Nile. We were gonna go to the big al show but Matisyahu took the crown for this month's show. The Hi-Ho lounge used to do a blue grass jam on Monday nights. We went a few times and found it very low key yet quite awesome. We tend to roam in a nomadic trance from bar to bar enjoying all the different music selections offered.

+1 to Ruby's. It is still there.