New Orleans is a city with a unique and vibrant culture, shaped by its eclectic mix of African-American, French, and Spanish influences. From the city's business and commercial life to its music, nightlife, and festivals, the cultural life of New Orleans is a synthesis of the contributions of both blacks and whites. Before the Civil War, free people of color were renowned for their skill in trades such as masonry, iron grating, and carpentry. African-American musicians are credited with giving birth to jazz, based on black blues and “country” and “white” dance melodies and hymns.
The city is also home to the New Orleans Saints, members of the National Football League, and the New Orleans Pelicans, an NBA member who moved from Charlotte, North Carolina in 2002. New Orleans is located in the state of Louisiana in the south of the United States on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is best known for its music, lively nightlife, numerous festivals, Creole and Cajun food, and colonial architecture. Musical events include operas presented annually by the New Orleans Opera Association, concerts offered by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, performances by the New Orleans Ballet Association, and concerts presented by the New Orleans Jazz Club. The city is also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art which has a variety of collections including decorative arts and photography.
Horse races are held at the local Fair Grounds racetrack while golfers are drawn every year to the Compaq Classic of New Orleans tournament which is held at one of the local golf clubs. Unfortunately, despite the determination of the New Orleans community, the effects of Hurricane Katrina are still being felt today. One success story after the disaster was the construction of the Lower Ninth Market which was inspired by Burnell Cotlon, a native of New Orleans. The city was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne who was governor of French Louisiana at that time. New Orleans has a unique heritage and proud traditions that make it stand out from other cities in America.
It is a true melting pot of cultures that has been shaped by its African-American, French, and Spanish influences.
