"Tip's" is what House of Blues wishes it was. You can see the big-names like Bootsy Collins, Dr. John, Galactic, etc. as well as the up-and-coming, local bands. The space itself has a dive-bar feel to it as you can feel the musical history seeping through it's walls. Many of the bands that play here know this as well and it can make their performances magical or it can make their performances not as good as times that you've seen them play at other venues. The best time to check out Tip's is during their Free Friday shows during the summer. This is when they showcase the best local bands and the crowd is a good mix of young and old. For New Year's Eve, Galactic plays a show there and people from all over the states and the world come for that show. Tip's is a New Orleans tradition and institution. Nothing has changed about it and nothing will. read more

Tipitina's - Also their response to one-star reviews on Yelp. - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Fridays are free during summer!! Great small venue with fantastic acoustics. Out with the locals away from Bourbon St. read more

I've never been to a bad show at Tips. It's my favorite music venue in the city for a couple reasons. One being the history this place holds. Many, many great acts have performed here over the years, you can even find some pretty cool old posters and shirts from everyone from The Beatles to James Brown. Sitting right on the corner of Napoleon Ave. And Tchoupitoulas, Tips is easy to get to, and there are some of the city's best watering holes all within walking distance incase you sweat out all the alcohol from dancing. Another thing I appreciate is their superb sound system; engineer included. Each and every show I've been to here sounded amazing, you could hear everything. Every instrument if there is a band, and nobody is drowned out. Amazing how the sound quality can make or break a show/venue, but a place like Tips hasn't been around this long by accident. Galactic plays here pretty often and do your entire life a favor and see them whenever they're playing. I've showed you the door, it's on you to go through. read more

The musical culture and special talent that is so unique to New Orleans doesn't just happen by accident - and it doesn't happen cheaply. Sure there are music programs in the schools and in community and religious institutions, but that still doesn't explain it. There's something more - a deep commitment to nurturing New Orleans's youth to embrace and cherish the city's musical heritage. A commitment personified by the Tipitina's Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Tipitina's, the legendary music venue which hosts some of New Orleans's most extraordinary shows all year round. I have to admit that I knew nothing of Tipitina's or the Tipitina's Foundation prior to my April 2013 trip to New Orleans. But, exploring the shows that were scheduled for the week I was there brought me to an event so extraordinary that I could barely comprehend what it all meant: Tipitina's Foundation Presents: Instruments a Comin' featuring Galactic, Anders Osborne, New Orleans Suspects, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Walter Wolfman Washington & The Roadmasters, Bonerama, Flowtribe, Honey Island Swamp Band, Dumpstaphunk, Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes, John Gros (Papa Grows Funk). Ticket price $40. Even as I typed that last paragraph, I nearly chuckled out loud at my good fortune of arriving in New Orleans the very night of this once a year show. And, while this review isn't about the show or the venue, I have to say that it stands as one of the top 5 musical events of my life. Arriving at 8:00PM, I stayed until 2:30AM, leaving remorsefully with two acts still to appear, because the next day (that day!) was a work day. According to the Tipitina's Foundation website, "The Instruments A Comin' program increases youth participation in the Greater New Orleans area by providing quality instruments to school music programs. Instruments A Comin' is an ongoing program now in its thirteenth year and has placed more than $2.7 million dollars worth of musical instruments in over 80 Louisiana school music programs." The music wasn't the only event of the night. There was a silent art auction, a battle of the (high school marching) bands and an induction of Deacon John Moore (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdLGjMlM5Ok&list=PL0802BB3342BCD279) into the Tipitina's Wall of Fame. To say that the night was an "event" is a huge understatement - a fact that became immediately apparent upon stepping out of my cab and feeling the electricity in the air. While Instruments a Comin' may be the highest profile event on the Tipitina's calendar, it is hardly the only activity the organization plans. There are youth music workshops, internships, instrument repair programs and cultural exchange programs There is also the Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op, a five-city network providing technology access, instruction, mentoring, networking, and practical business training to musicians, filmmakers and other digital media workers. As I said at the beginning of this review, the musical culture and special talent that is so unique to New Orleans doesn't just happen by accident. It happens specifically thanks to organizations like the Tipitina's Foundation and all the people behind the organization. The Tipitina's Foundation isn't just working to insure New Orlean's cultural legacy, but the legacy of a uniquely American art form that is a source of pride not just for the people of New Orleans, but American's everywhere. read more

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Really enjoyed a small concert here this weekend! Tickets were easy to buy online (though the $5 processing fee was a little steep!) and they made it very easy to just scan going in. The venue size is great, where really anywhere in the house has a good sound and visual, but it's also easy to move up and not so packed that you feel claustrophobic. So many places in New Orleans have primarily cover bands that it's really refreshing to come here and get original music. Drinks are reasonably priced and it was shockingly easy to order at the bar and get a drink quickly- they really have a good system. We will definitely be back! read more

Tipitina's has always been one of my favorite music venues - and after not visting it for almost 20 years (yikes, I'm old!) - it seemed much smaller than when I was last there. The place still has fantastic acoustics - and accommodates a pretty decent number of people. You can see the stage from just about anywhere -- and the bartenders are professional and efficient. It's a pretty safe/quiet area. I used to walk to Tip's from where I lived at Nashville/Magazine (now a stereotypical super trendy hipster/yoga mom area!) and more recently, walked from Broadmoor down Napoleon to Tip's (and back via Nashville) without any incidents -- pretty quiet residential area. Just bring a flashlight because the sidewalks are uneven and a lot of the pavement is pushed up pretty high by trees and you can't see that (because the trees block street light!). read more

Tip's is THE place to catch music, Uptown. Tourist, local, alien...you need to catch a show at Tip's before you die...you need to rub the bust of Professor Longhair like a Buddha belly for good luck. You need to schmooze your way into the actual "green room." You need to sway your arms, fist pump, or do the sprinkler (no real sprinkling of course) over the crowd on the second floor. I love Tip's because again, I'm a sucker for nostalgia. I have a picture of my father from the late 70's kissing Professor's head up front and one of my boyfriend doing the same thing 4 decades later. You'll basically get tossed out for smoking...cigarettes, mind you, and I love that. There is always parking at Rouses next door. And for the cheap at heart, they've usually got a seasonal FREE Fridays Concert Series with a great lineup of local bands. I would say this is more of a 4.75, because the drinks tend to run up a pretty hefty bill for a 4/5 hour show, but considering the prices are probably a happy medium between tourist and local prices...I can forgive. I also want to say, Tip's isn't REALLY within walking distance of a whole heck of a lot of places, but who am I kidding...I'll just go to F & M (Fump & Manny's to anyone +25) down the street 'cause that's where I'll end up after a show that gets out around 2/3 AM. For those not too hip to Fump & Manny's, there's also 45 Tchoup. read more

THE place to see and hear music. I can't begin to remember how many excellent performers I've seen here over the years- Marcia Ball, Irma Thomas and on and on - so many excellent memories. The place is an institution - gets crowded and is pretty much no frills. I went on a first date here many moons ago and there was no AC - only big fans scattered around the place - I lost like 20 pounds that night. You must go there if only to say you have been there once in your life - sort of like New Orleans or Disney World- go once before you pass on. Parking on street. read more

I have only been to Tipitina's a couple times, but it is definitely one of my favorite venues in town. It's big enough that you get a ton of energy in the crowd, which makes the show that much more enjoyable; but it's small enough that there is no place in the house where you don't feel close to the performer. Downstairs tends to be pretty crowded and high-energy dance-y, while upstairs is more chill--though, as I see mentioned in a few reviews, it can be difficult to get one of the coveted spots along the railing. No worries--go downstairs and dance! Or stay upstairs and dance! Fancy beers and cocktails upstairs and a full bar downstairs, so if you're a pseudo-but-hating-yourself-a-little-bit-for-it-hipster like me, get your MHL on the ground floor. Definitely check out the Free Fridays concert series in the summer because, well, it's FREE!! I love free things. Otherwise tickets will run you from $10-$40 depending on the act. Only problem--and I only perceive this as a problem because I'm 21+--is that it's an 18+ venue. When I went to one of the Free Friday concerts in August...when the university students were filing back into town...it was a bit of a sh*tshow. Drunk, throwing-up teenagers all over the place by 11pm. UGH. Plus pot smokers everywhere! UGH again! But the music was great enough to make up for the rather suckiness of some of the crowd members. Oh! And how could I forget the classic posters throughout the place? So cool to see all of the awesome acts that have played there over the years. read more

Classic venue that if you are a music officinado you need to check out but be aware that sightlines are poor, seating is non existent, and the bar is "dive bar" style (no Sazeracs here!). We saw Ruffin's during his weekly show and while he was great, he brought on a series of guests of diminishing quality, where he left the stage for the entire time they played -- which turned out to be more than half the show. Heck, its really nice he is giving his daughter some stage time, but this is nepotism with a capital N in terms of the kind of venue she is ready to play at. The standout of his band is his piano player. I'd pay to see a set where he gets lots more air time. read more

Great spot for live music! Saw Benny and the Late Bloomers here and they were outstanding. The place was full of life and energy and everyone was dancing, drinking, and having fun. After a year and a half of Covid imposed restrictions it felt so great to be out here and enjoying an awesome band and feeling the hairs stand up on my arm again. read more

I like this venue. I've been to several shows. Sometimes it can get a bit crowded, but I guess that's to be expected. They offer lots of different kinds of shows which is nice. I still haven't had a chance to make the zydeco on Sundays, but I really want to go. I've been to a couple of free shows with local bands and love that they support those guys. Sometimes they have a food truck outside which is handy. The parking at Rouse's is convenient as well. read more

Before the HoB this was the place to see live music. Unfortunately HoB hired away their booker but they still get some great acts. A great intimate setting to see any band. As a truly bit of useless trivia, NKotB filmed the Right Stuff video here. I snuck my adolescent cousin to see the place during the day so she could check it out and the bartenders were totally cool, since I didn't try to buy her a drink. read more

Only been here once, but there was awesome FREE music on a Friday night! It's big enough to hold a ton of people but also feel like you're right there close to the band. Only thing I didn't like was having a liquid dripped on me from the second floor. There's netting to catch the bottles/cups if anyone drops a drink but the contents go all over you. Will definitely be there again. read more

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This is my favorite music joint in NOLA. The bars can gets pretty packed, but it's manageable. Every show I've been to here has been sold out which means the place is packed, but you can still manage to see the band, dance a little, and keep a full drink in your hand. They always have an incredible lineup here too. read more

For aficionados of music from the New Orleans area, the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Napolean is a sacrosanct place. You may even catch some of the local legends here such as Dr. John, the Neville clan or The Radiators. There is a related non-profit organization called the Tipitina's Foundation. They have done alot for the musicians and the music scene post flood in New Orleans. If you can, donate to the foundation or buy a tee shirt or something from their online store. read more

Tipitina's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Tchoupitoulas Stage Big Chief Longhair Pounds Jaunty Beats on Keyboard Teeth #NOLA_Haiku read more

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One of the most versatile venues EVER! Some of the coolest people hang out here that I would just go to chat it up and meet others. You can see well-known bands/artists here, college bands, small local groups. They're all good and they all fit. Gogol Bordello FTW! I just saw Tipitina's on the Music HD Jazz show here a while ago and it made me so happy. Look at this insane list: http://www.tipitinas.com/content/artist.asp?type=music read more

Oh Tips, I can say I definitely miss you! You have quite the reputation of being a bit of an institution in New Orleans and its well deserved. I can't quite remember the amount of times I've been here, but it was always for local artists or free shows. By the way the free shows during the summer = WIN. i can't think of a better way to lure people away from their usual ho hum routinized evenings for a rollicking good time. Sure it can get disgustingly overpacked at times, but if you stow away to the upstairs area, it's usually a little more bearable. Plus nice aerial view of the band and crowd mashing about below. As other Yelpers have stated, unforgivably bad dancing can usually be observed, but hey, you're probably a part of it! I recall the drinks being pretty decent and strong, the bartenders as prompt as can be expected with a packed venue. It's not the "classiest" place, but it's definitely some place that tucks away nicely in the very essence of New Orleans. I can honestly say this is one of the few places I very very much miss. read more

I've seen a few shows here. Great venue. Not really a bad spot in the place. Knocking a start off bc the air was NOT flowing last time I was there, and we were drenched upon exit. read more

Remember Tipitinas is a NON PROFIT organization (tax deduction).....which means you need to buy more drinks because its for a good cause, after all GREAT venue to watch music and the bookings never disappoint. Because they don't operate as a club or bar, they won't be open until about an hour before a gig. You can sit around Tchoupitoulas waiting for the doors to open or you can kill time at 45 Tschoup or hang out on Magazine (plenty to do there). read more

Tipitina's - Anders Osborne 1st Annual Holiday Festival - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

The staff at this club is the harshest most unfriendliest Grp of folks in the NO area. The upper level of mgmt or the team are lovely but the rest of the staff are hostile and out rude. It is an unwelcoming environment w/more rules than the pentagon. read more

This. This is what all music venues should be like. It seems so simple, but most venues get it wrong. 1. Perfect layout. The space is intimate and you're never too far from the stage. It has flow and long bars that provide access and cut down on lines. There is a balcony too. 2. Great sound. Seriously. It shouldn't be hard, but I guess based on most other venues I've ever been in, it's fairly difficult? Whatever the formula, Tip's has it nailed. 3. Friendly bartenders. I had no problems with mine, they were on point and FAST. Nothing sucks more than missing a bunch of show waiting for slow or inadequate staff. The goal is to sell booze, right? Tips sold me a lot of booze, and that's good. Yup. That's all you need. If I lived in NOLA, I'd be here all the time. Can we have one in PDX? Pretty please with trombones on top? read more

Simply an amazing venue to see a show in, and one of the BEST small venues I've ever seen one in. Sound is amazing; you feel like you're in a small bar within touching distance of the band. There are multiple bars, all with reasonable prices, and a great souvenir/gift area near the back. They also have plenty of shows for those not yet 21, which made taking a group of my cousins here much easier. Coming in and out of the venue is a breeze--there is a separate entrance/exit if you've already had your hand stamped. Also, quite surprising for those sort of spot, the bathrooms were even clean and nice. read more

It is completely unacceptable that it has taken me this long review this New Orleans music institution and for that I apologize. Tipitina's is world known. You know that. The famous, the not so famous and the infamous have played here. If they were worth listening to, they probably played here at some point. I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. The venue is huge and legendary. Most times it will cost you a few bucks to get in the door, but it is always worth it. Stories have been told here and history has been made here. If you are looking for good music, this place is a must, end of story. What's one the best parts? It's smoke free! read more

Very cool spot for a concert The drinks were affordable The bartenders were very friendly and they were moving pretty quick read more

St. Joseph's night started out with a group of us riding around Uptown New Orleans looking for Mardi Gras Indians to admire the workmanship in their costumes. We watched from the intersection of Washington and LaSalle Avenues as Mardi Gras Indians gangs arrived at A.L. Davis Playground from all directions, from various neighborhoods. It was quite a spectacle as they chanted, postured and promenaded, competing for the approval of onlookers to see who had the prettiest suit. Every suit was unique and original and we spent several hours enjoying the pageantry. The most unique suit that I saw was a Spyboy Indian, whose suit paid homage to the relationship that developed between a Buffalo Soldier and Native American woman. The Spyboy Indian carried a sabre and wore a Calvaryman's cap whenever he wasn't wearing his Mardi Gras Indian headress. His suit also had feathers attached to his sleeves so that when he extended his arms, it looked as though he had wings. On each of the wing panels was a beaded design of a Gattlin gun. The intricacy of the other beadwork on his suit depicted various scenes including a Buffalo Soldier on horseback on the battlefield, and a scene including the Buffalo Soldier and the Native American woman, with the child they produced. We got so caught up in enjoying the Mardi Gras Indians we nearly forgot that we had lucked upon a pair of complimentary tickets to attend a special performance of the Lady Smith Back Mambazo at Tipitina's. This is a Zulu all-male a cappella choral group from South Africa that sings in the vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. We missed most of the show and were only able to catch 3 or 4 songs, but we along with the rest of the crowd were mesmerized. Even though I could not understand the words, these guys really can harmonize and their choreography is so exciting. While they sang, they kicked, jumped, spun around and conducted audience participation. Tipitina's once again did not disappoint. read more

Not much else to say but come out here and enjoy the world class music in a world class venue! This is part of Nola's heartbeat! read more

Tipitina's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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I can't disagree with any of the raves in the other reviews, save one, and for me it's a deal killer (maybe for you as well). Tipitina's is NOT a smoke free environment, regardless of the policy. We went to see Galactic on a Friday night, and while the DJ got the crowd going, I was just lovin' life in this awesome venue. In the break before the band started, the crowd started lighting up. When I politely let a guy near us know that there was no smoking inside, he explained to me that "the rule only applies to cigarettes, it's a New Orleans thing". That certainly has not been my experience in other 'let's be totally clear' smoke-free establishments in NOLA like d.b.a., but this was most certainly a lot different crowd (about 40% Bourbon street mixed with 40% local and 20% people looking to hear good music). I was hoping just moving away from the one group would solve the problem, but it was pretty endemic, and after just three songs my asthma kicked in so hard I had to leave the show (and drag my husband out with me). BTW - the staff made no effort whatsoever to enforce the policy; I saw no sign of security even at the door (unless the 90-pound blonde chick in the pink Power Ranger outfit was actually not just wearing a costume!). read more

One of the coolest places in the Universe. I saw a kick-ass brass band here. Although I was mesmerized by the flying spit (I stood front row), this is totally a place I would hang out sans music. It's that cool. Just because. But music makes it better - don't the tunes always make everything better? read more

Talk to anyone that lives in NOLA and they all tell you that Tips is one of THE places to go to while in town. However, we must have gone on a bad night or something, because the place was absolutely dead when we got there. We came on a Sat night when the John Papa Gros band was playing and had bought tickets in advance because we thought it might be sold out. Well, our group was one of four that had pre purchased their tickets, and there was a total of 10 or 15 people at the venue when we arrived around 9-9:30. Even as the night went on and more people trickled in, the place probably didn't get to over 25% of capacity the entire night. I still enjoyed my experience there as I actually prefer it when I'm not being jostled left and right by crowds of people, but I was definitely expecting a lot more to be going on. read more

Did some serious yelp research for a new years weekend NOLA trip and bought tickets to see Galactic with special guests Corey Glover, Corey Henry and Mannie Fresh. Boy am I glad I did! It was the highlight of our trip, by far! This location is in uptown, definitely a cab ride from the main "touristy" area, and full of locals. The music was great, the space included multiple bars and two levels so there were plenty of spaces to post up with a superb view and there was never a lineup at the bar. We were even able to get right up front with zero hassle. (There is no smoking inside and literally the entire bar stepped outside for a smoke break and stop at the food truck parked outside during the intermission). They have a good sound system and cool light show too. Everybody was being friendly, dancing and having a great time. Several locals who we talked to around town all agreed that Tips is the best and when we mentioned that Galactic would be performing got excited and said maybe they would be there too. Next time we are in town, I will definilty be checking their calendar for a show. read more

The atmosphere of this place was super cool, vibey, and fun! However, the staff at the entrance were extremely rude and gave off excessive attitude and snarkiness for no apparent reason. This was our first impression of the place and it ruined our whole experience. We would come back if we knew the staff would be more friendly and welcoming. This was the only time in the whole city that we experienced such disregard for basic respect for other humans. read more

It was late afternoon when I jumped a cab from my hotel on Bourbon Street, wanting to expand the view, to go where the locals go. I ended-up at Tipitina's, filled my socks then realized, The Radiators were going on stage. The Radiators have long since retired and Tipitina's has long since been discovered by the out-of-town Pat O'Brien's sandal crowd. Tip's can't be duplicated anywhere else tho - a gumbo of culture all imbibing, then standing and imbibing some more, representing what makes this Nation so great - diversity. Before all the festivals, there was Tipitina's and it is still standing - all sweaty, and dark and sticky and messy. God I love that place. read more

Tips is bad ass... Period. Had a great time by myself last night and it didn't matter because well it didn't matter who I was with. I knew walking in I was gonna have a great time. I'll be going back as often as I can. The premiere place to watch live music in the country - in my opinion read more

Tipitina's - Dumpstaphunk - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Definitely one of the better quality venues in the city. Been here several times. Ended up going last night to see Killer mike and Gza, and it was a memorable experience. The bartenders are sweethearts, and just the right amount of friendly. I ended up leaving my card here last night, called this morning, and they seemed used to the protocol...no problems there. You can tell they paid specific attention to small details in this place to make the acoustics and experience here pleasurable. read more

Great legendary music venue. Bartenders were friendly, sound was great, and everywhere seemed to have a great view. It does have some drawbacks though. Our tickets said will call at 8:30, doors open at 9. Unfortunately the first act didn't start until 10 and the main act didn't start until 11:30. In a place with no chairs, 3 hours in the same spot before the main act even started got to be tough after awhile. If we were to return again I would grab the tickets at 8:30, and come back. I would also stand up on the second floor, less trampling up there. read more

I had a lot of good times here at Tipitina's They got live bands and of course Thursday nights are always the best time to go. My complaints are that the service is so-so and the drinks are kind of pricey.But all in all it is not a bad place to go out and have some fun. read more

Great out of the way venue for tourists! We received free tickets from our airbnb host so we went to check it out! A bit out of the way but not necessarily a bad thing if you want to get away from the tourist scene! Great band! Awesome locals! Diverse crowd all ages, it was great! read more

I think it can easily be said New Orleans would not be the same without Tipitina's, and no New Orleans experience as a visitor or resident is complete without an evening here. I've been attending shows here since '93 when I finally ventured out of the insular campus world I lived in. I saw Cracker with TechnoSquid Eats Parliament. Since then among other shows I've seen here include Sonic Youth, midget wrestling, a couple of Eels shows, Rykodisc events, and on. The last show I saw was a Park The Van bill that included Giant Cloud and Brass Bed. Tonight I'm going to see Frightened Rabbit. I mean it when I say: "God Bless Tipitina's" read more