Louisiana being the birthplace of jazz is something that can easily be forgotten in a place where nightlife is so heavily associated with bars like Tigerland. Many people don’t know the deep history Baton Rouge has with jazz, zydeco and the blues, or that the music scene here has only grown as time has passed. If you don’t know where to look, there are a few venues I’ve found that seem to be nearly fail-proof when it comes to live, local, music. 

1. Hayride Scandal

Open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., this “whiskey bar” is located on Corporate Blvd., with Jazz Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, along with other events like tastings, watch parties, and themed nights. It’s an unassuming location fitting a speakeasy vibe, increased by a vintage maximalist interior. The atmosphere is relaxed but still lively enough to be social, with music from bands like The Bishop Ellis Trio, The Andy Pizzo Trio, and The Awen Trio. They offer an impressive drink menu with non-alcoholic options, their staff is incredibly friendly, and there’s no cover.

2. Henry Turner Jr’s Listening Room Heritage Museum 

Located on North St., open from 8 p.m. to midnight from Thursday to Sunday, this venue is $ 10 at the door or $8 pre-sale. Shows are hosted by Henry Turner Jr., a blues/soul musician and local celebrity. Thursday nights there’s comedy, occasionally spoken word, and performances by Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor. A fish fry is held on Fridays (which is included in the price of your ticket) and acts from touring bands, and Saturdays feature acoustic shows by Henry Turner Jr and special guests. It’s an intimate environment, offering a glimpse of local talent and culture. Events are for all ages, and the genre of music varies depending on the night.

3. Live After Five

Every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., live performances are held at Rhorer Park in downtown Baton Rouge. The lineup can be found on their Facebook page and the music is normally somewhere along the lines of folk, jazz, or soul. This being a public event means that arriving early to set up with a chair and blankets can make a decent experience a great one, but the environment is welcoming and the people attending have been sociable. Vendors sell food and drinks and ask that you don’t bring your own, otherwise “Live After Five” is completely free. 

4. Boudreaux and Thibodeaux’s 

 This venue is located on 3rd St. in downtown Baton Rouge and hosts local musicians nearly every weekend, the music can range from jazz, folk, and country to blues, R&B, and rock. Their food and drinks are more pricey compared to the other places mentioned, and sometimes there’s a cover but the service and the music are good. The building itself is worth checking out, it’s old and full of character with the first floor being the main event space with a stage and dance floor, and the upstairs and balcony being more laid back and social.