New Orleans

Prior to hurricane Katrina, more than 3,000 musicians worked in the Big Easy. The number plummeted after Katrina destroyed neighborhoods, bars and musical venues, but is now climbing back up as venues reopen and tourists return to the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Basin Street and the irrepressible Mardi Gras, one of the planet's biggest parties. Don't miss the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, with an ongoing schedule of special events and concerts. Pictured here, the Preservation Hall band plays at Preservation Hall, just off Bourbon Street.

For more information: National Park Service