I was asked to write an article about the 10 best places to see live music in New Orleans by what I consider to be a prominent paper.  The identity of said paper will be revealed when the article prints.  I had to keep it to 1000 words and, out of shape as I am I clocked in at 1400.  I also couldn’t help but spout about proper audience behavior.  This section was cut from the article for space reasons, but I think it’s worth sharing.

Welcome to New Orleans.  I’m so glad that you’re here to appreciate our greatest resource- live music.  New Orleans is one of the last places in the United States, or maybe even earth where one can make a decent living as a musician.  Not  a top tier million seller nor a dilettante or a hobbyist, but a journeyman making art for a living.  In order to protect and preserve this wondrous and mostly environmentally friendly resource I recommend the three following things to make you a desirable and appreciated audience member.

1. Pay the cover-  When I first started following the Rebirth Brass Band they were playing on a corner in the French Quarter in front of a tip bucket.  That was thirty years ago.  Now, for their legendary longstanding Tuesday night show at the Maple Leaf there is a $20 cover.  Are you aghast?  I say good for them.  They have a grammy, they’ve been at this for 30 plus years.  They deserve it and you’d be paying twice as much in New York or San Francisco.  Also, don’t try and  negotiate the cover.  If you drunkenly stumbled up to the airlines departure desk and suggested that since you have a group of 6 and it’s your friends birthday you should all get in at half price  -you would not be let on that plane.  You didn’t pull that bullshit when you were buying your ticket here.  Musicians have utility bills same as airlines.  Don’t waste the doorman’s time.  
2. Tip the band-  If there is no cover, or even if there is , passing the hat is a common thing in New Orleans.  The deal at a lot of places is the band will get a percentage of the bar ring.  That’s a supplement to what the band collects in the hat.  Don’t be cheap.  If there’s a five piece band on stage and you throw a dollar in the bucket you are giving each musician 20 cents for their time and effort.  Do the math.  Chips from the casino and coupons for tourist crap are insulting.  Drugs aren’t always appreciated.  You should be tipping the bartender every time you get a drink, the band has the right to pass the hat every set.  Also this isn’t Europe, coins are not money
3. Buy the CD’s.  This is the third stream of revenue and it helps keep the musicians going.  Copying your friends Rolling Stones CD’s or stealing Lady Gaga off bit torrent is wrong, but these artists are set for life.  None of the bands you’re seeing in the bars is on a real record label and the CD they made represents their hard work and investment.  You might not be able to find it online when you get home.  Most bands will have a sharpie on hand and they’ll be happy to autograph the product for you.  You couldn’t get a better souvenir.
4. Check your listings and come see me.