New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, an honor the city prides itself in. From dim lit jazz clubs lining the city streets to its annual Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans is a great American music city. Jazz isn't the only music being created in the Big Easy though. Many music clubs and venues offer an eclectic mix of blues, gospel, hip hop, rock and more.

One venue offering up a diverse musical roster is the House of Blues in the French Quarter. Any given week this club can host inspiring musicians and full blown rock stars. A wide variety of musical genres are present at the New Orleans location of this national chain. The heart and soul of the venue besides the music itself is the interesting surroundings and attentive staff. These features give this location its heart and make this corporate club seem more mom and pop. The Sunday Gospel Brunch is also a very attractive weekly event that draws a crowd.

TwiRoPa is the Warehouse District's premiere music and art complex. This complex houses 100,000 square feet of clubs, music venues, galleries, bars and convention space. The nearly 100-year-old building was once the site of a mill that produced Twine, Rope and Paper. These products are also how this complex received its interesting name TwiRoPa. Live music and DJs are all the rage at this hip location that has quickly made a name for itself.

One New Orleans club that has earned its reputation over time is Tipitina's Uptown. For over 25 years Tipitina's has been considered the finest music club in New Orleans. The club is named in honor of its patron saint Professor Longhair for his song Tipitina. The club pays tribute to the New Orleans piano man through performances of local and national artists. Local artists such as the Funky Meters and Galactic regularly play to the crowds and headliners Pearl Jam and Lenny Kravitz have also graced Tip's Big Stage. The club is a very hot spot during the Jazz and Heritage Festival with its own Fess Jazztival concert series.

Another New Orleans music club steeped in history and tradition is Uptown's Maple Leaf. Cajun meets Caribbean as this club features a variety of music including reggae and zydeco. The Maple Leaf is a happening spot with a packed dance floor bumping till the wee hours of the morning. Poetry readings and special events round out this club as one of New Orleans finest.

Looking for some rock in Crescent City? The Howlin' Wolf is regarded as New Orleans quintessential rock club. Here local and national recording artists hone there chops for legions of adoring fans. The Howlin' Wolf is an unassuming space with a stage, three bars and original artwork from New Orleans artists Lionel Milton and Frenchy. Definitely the spot you want to go for modern rock, the club also features Jazz Thursdays and many celebrated local artists like George Porter Jr.

Local artists and music venues draw their inspiration from Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz. One of these clubs is the famed Funky Butt. This bordello turned club is now the home of modern jazz In New Orleans. Many celebrated and soon to be celebrated musicians have graced the butt's stage. The club is located in a somewhat rough part of town so a taxi is a better choice than walking to the club.

Traditional jazz fans will want to seek out Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. This hall doesn't serve or allow food, drinking or smoking. New Orleans style jazz is on the only item on the menu at this rustic hall inspiring to keep traditional jazz alive. The 35 minute sets start at 8:15 pm nightly and includes an intermission. Preservation Hall is a historic jazz experience music fans will want to check out.

Truly a musical city, New Orleans has clubs that cater to anyone's musical cravings. Creative spaces and incredible talent make the city's clubs attractive to locals and visitors alike. No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to one the city's fine music venues.