Hey, I envy you...New orleans is a great place.

Contacting PoppaGator is probably the most important advice you can get here, my information might be outdated.

Concerning music I would recommend the Washboard Chaz Blues trio (see www.washboardchaz.com - washboard, harmonica, dobro), Mountain Sprout (bluegrass band playing in the street, same dobro player as WBC), the session at "Dana`s" ... I am sure you will find other interesting things on your own. Preservation Hall is a little touristish...you have to pay /stand in line for one set.

Definitely worth seeing is the Jazz Museum, Gallaher (sp?) house and and and....you are going to miss a big exhibition about the N.O. painter George Rodrigue which starts in march, but you will see enough of his art - just watch for the blue dog.

For food I remember a nice restaurant called "Antoine`s" (cajun food is generally recommendable) and the creole coffee with chicoree and the beignets at the Cafe du monde (if you buy a can to take home you will find that the cans even sound nice...I am tempted touse them for percussion).

Whatever you do, I am sure you will have a great time!

Best wishes

Ernest