After satisfying our craving for jazz and New Orleans-style music, we drove north across the 24-mile bridge over Lake Pontchartrain to Mandeville, home to the world’s oldest unaltered jazz hall.
The Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall might not win any beauty contests—it looks more like a barn on stilts and doesn’t have indoor plumbing or heating—but it’s hard to expect much more from a building built in 1895, the very year traditional jazz was born. Despite its modest appearance, some of jazz’s biggest legends have graced its stage, including Buddie Petit, Buddy Mandalay, and Louis Armstrong.
Today, much like in the past, the Dew Drop’s monthly shows are packed, with standing room only. Inside, there are wooden benches for around 100 people, and those who don’t arrive early enough have to stand outside on the steps. The large barn-style windows are flung open, and the side yard is filled with more people sitting on lawn chairs. During intermission, the ladies from the church next door serve up fresh, fried catfish dinners right before your eyes. It doesn’t get much more Southern than that!
We were treated to a spirited performance of holiday tunes and gospel hymns by the Northshore Gospel Choir, followed by the headliner, New Orleans jazz singer John Boutté. The energy in the crowd was so electric, it felt like a church service. What an unforgettable experience!
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| Toques and down jackets required inside! |
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| Northshore Gospel Choir |
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| John Boutté and friends |
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| The 24-mile long Lake Pontchartrain Causeway - no end in sight! |
