Tipitina’s

Why was Tipitina’s once called “The 501 Club”? Because its address is 501 Napoleon Avenue. Tipitina’s is more than just a music venue. It’s a living, breathing piece of New Orleans history. Opened in 1977, Tipitina’s was named after a song by the legendary Professor Longhair. He wasn’t just the inspiration for the name. He played there regularly until his death in 1980. His portrait now watches over the stage, a silent guardian of the music that fills the room. This building has seen a lot in its time. Built in 1912, it’s been a gambling house, a gymnasium, and even a brothel. Imagine the stories these walls could tell. But Tipitina’s is primarily a music venue. It’s hosted countless artists. It’s seen the rise of musical legends. Numerous live albums have been recorded within these walls, capturing the energy and passion of New Orleans music. Remember the Neville Brothers’ “Nevillization”? Or Anders Osborne’s “Live at Tipitina’s”? These are just a few examples of Tipitina’s influence on the music world. Even Pearl Jam played a legendary show here in 1992. Eddie Vedder, the band’s frontman, stepped onto the stage and asked, “Why so quiet, New Orleans?”. He followed it up with, “I think we have been waiting longer for this one than you have!”. Then they launched into a blistering set. The show became a well-circulated bootleg, cementing Tipitina’s place in rock history. In the early days, Tipitina’s was more than a concert hall. It had a juice bar, a restaurant, and of course, a bar. The banana in the Tipitina’s logo? That’s a reminder of the juice bar’s legacy. In the 1980s, the local radio station WWOZ even had its studios upstairs. They would occasionally broadcast live shows by lowering a microphone through a hole in the floor. Tipitina’s has faced its share of challenges. It closed briefly during the 1984 World’s Fair. It underwent renovations to raise the ceiling and improve the venue. More recently, it was bought by the band Galactic, who have been working hard to ensure its future. Tipitina’s also gave back to the community through the Tipitina’s Foundation, supporting local music and musicians. It provided instruments and uniforms for New Orleans public high school marching bands, playing a vital role in nurturing the city’s musical talent. So, the next time you’re at Tipitina’s, take a moment to soak it all in. Listen to the music. Feel the energy. And remember the rich history of this iconic New Orleans venue.