Blue Nile
Live music venue on historic Frenchmen Street — funk, jazz, brass, and soul n…
Blue Nile is a live music venue occupying a historic 1832 building on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans' Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood, just a block from the French Quarter.
About this studio
Blue Nile is a live music venue occupying a historic 1832 building on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans' Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood, just a block from the French Quarter. The venue hosts funk, blues, soul, and brass shows most nights of the week, featuring local, national and international acts. It is known as the original music club that gave birth to the music culture on Frenchmen Street — in its former incarnation as the Dream Palace, it was the first bar on the block to feature live bands.
The space spans two storeys with distinct atmospheres. The main floor downstairs seats 290 guests and features a full stage for live entertainment, a dance floor, professional sound system, and full bar service. The upstairs balcony room holds 110 guests and overlooks Frenchmen Street, offering blue and gold decor, a separate bar area, and a private entrance option. Both spaces showcase the ritzy decor and historic building atmosphere that define the venue.
Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers perform Friday nights at 10pm. Recent shows have featured DJ T-Roy's reggae parties, the Soul Rebels Brass Band, the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, Irvin Mayfield's Music Church, The Caesar Brothers' FunkBox, AFROBEAT NOLA, and artists like Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. The balcony room hosts separate DJ parties and late-night programming.
Blue Nile rents both the main floor and balcony room for private events including corporate events, product launches, wedding receptions, fundraising galas, birthday parties, and bachelor/bachelorette celebrations. The venue provides full bar service, VIP seating, and renovated bathrooms. All events are for ages 21 and up with valid ID required upon entry. Coat check is available at the box office for $5 (cash or credit card).
The venue is located at 532 Frenchmen Street, between Esplanade and Chartres Streets. It is a short cab or Uber ride from the French Quarter or CBD. The address sits steps away from the French Quarter with a vibrant balcony view of Frenchmen Street's bright lights and lively energy.
What to expect
Your first visit
A two-storey historic building with live music most nights, ranging from funk and brass to reggae and soul. The main floor offers a full stage and dance floor; the upstairs balcony overlooks Frenchmen Street. All guests must be 21 or older with valid ID. Tickets are available in advance or at the door one hour before showtime.
Studio history
The building dates to 1832 and is reportedly the first structure constructed on Frenchmen Street. In its former incarnation as the Dream Palace, it was the first bar on the block to feature live bands and gave birth to the music culture now thriving on Frenchmen Street.
Styles offered
1 dance style taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Blue Nilehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Blue Nile, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Blue Nile
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Blue Nile teach?
Blue Nile teaches General. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Blue Nile located?
Blue Nile is located in New Orleans, LA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Blue Nile offer private lessons?
Contact Blue Nile directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Blue Nile teach kids and adults?
Blue Nile welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Blue Nile?
The fastest path is to visit Blue Nile via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.