Louisiana gave America its only indigenous art form – Jazz. And it gave us such all time jazz greats as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Buddy Bolden and Wynton Marsalis. But it doesn't stop at jazz down here. Check out the zydeco and cajun music to the west of New Orleans, with such names as BeauSoleil, Clifton Chenier and Boozoo Chavis. If you're into country music, you should know that none other than Hank Williams Sr. got his start on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport. If you're a fan of gospel, surely you're familiar with Louisiana's own Mahalia Jackson.
The best part of all Louisiana's great music heritage is that it doesn't exist only in the pages of history. It's alive and well down here. And any visit to our state gives you a chance to experience this fascinating and unique part of our culture. Whether it's a guitar twang in north Louisiana, a fiddle riff in Lafayette or a trumpet trill in New Orleans, it will quicken the pulse.
Voodoo Fest
Get ready for R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails and dozens of other national and local performers. The tenth annual Voodoo Music Experience hits New Orleans in October. More
Terrance Simien's Louisiana
No matter where you travel, no tip is more valuable than the insider's tip. It's the people living in a place who know it best. Residents know the spots that don't appear in travel guides. More
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There is so much to see and do in Louisiana. Here are a few ideas to get you started.