Do you have an artist that, if you could go back in time, you would love to see perform? I have a few, but up there on that list is the spirited jazz great Louis Prima. No matter my disposition, his beats can’t help but rouse me, lift my spirits and put a smile on my face. I would have loved to watch him and Keely Smith on stage in the ‘50s.
My current trip to New Orleans lands me in town on the night Lena Prima, Louis’ youngest daughter is playing at the Carousel Room. Not only is the Hotel Monteleone venue beautiful and a favourite New Orleans hot spot, but the excitement of being so close to one of my all-time favourite musicians in the form of his daughter sends a thrill up my spine.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Lena Prima Band played a lot of her father’s music. I was hoping for a song or two, but there were several in each set, along with other jazz standards and a few of her own, more soulful, mellow tunes. The band was talented and energetic. They looked like they were having a really good time on stage, which translated to the crowd. People were encouraged to get up and dance and the whole room was into it.
I spoke with Lena between sets. She was warm and sweet and extremely approachable. That night at the Carousel Bar made this trip to New Orleans for me.
No matter the band playing, the Carousel Bar is always worth a visit. They promote good talent and the staff will always show you a good time. The bartenders are friendly and lighthearted, and boy, can they shake a cocktail. I drank a few Fleur de Lis cocktails and my son had the Miel Blanco. We loved our drinks. The combination of premium gin, St. Germain, cucumber, lemon and ginger was like nothing I’d had before, and the performance put into making it makes things just a bit more fun. Each cocktail came to $12 US, so with exchange, tax and tip, I figured I was dishing out $20/drink (gulp!). Callum learned the concept of nursing a drink!
Vogue Living named the Carousel Bar one of the Top 20 Bars in the World this year.
It’s not a place to go on a budget, but if you want to splash out a bit and hear some great music, give the Carousel Bar a try. And do try to catch the Lena Prima Band. They regularly play the late set Friday nights. You can check out the talent schedule here.
*Photo source: Vogue Living