Every first and third Wednesday from 6-8:30 p.m., the historic 200 Commerce Street venue transforms into a portal to jazz's birthplace. Born in the cultural melting pot of early 20th century New Orleans, this distinctive musical style blends European harmonies with African rhythms and blues expressions, creating what would become the foundation for countless musical innovations that followed.

The NBSJB's journey began long before their 2012 residency at Hal and Mal's. They are the living legacy of the New Bourbon Street Jazz Society, a non-profit organization established on March 21, 1960. Founded by Dan Wright, owner of Wright's Music Store, the Society dedicated itself to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz as one of America's original art forms.

Around 1990, Wright began mentoring younger musicians through weekly "prayer meetings" at his store, complete with an open bar—a masterstroke of attendance motivation. This apprentice ensemble, playfully dubbed the "Junior High Band," eventually matured into today's New Bourbon Street Jazz Band. The current lineup features a roster of accomplished musicians: Randy Dickerson (trumpet/flugelhorn and Band Director), James "Jimmy" Sclater (clarinet/Music Director), Craig Tucker (piano), Todd Bobo (saxophones), Bob Pilcher (trombone), Presley Posey (trombone), Bruce Carter (drums), Steve Kincaid (bass/Band Manager), Jeff Reynolds (guitar), and Ron Welch (banjo).

"New Orleans jazz, with its rich 'gumbo' of gospel, ragtime, blues, parade-band, Caribbean, and other influences, expresses the emotional range of life itself," Welch said. "From happy tunes that celebrate it, to sad tunes that mourn it, and everything in between. But, mostly, it is a happy music of celebration that is a joy to play, to hear and to share with all the good people who come and enjoy the superlative food, drink, and community. That's the takeaway goal."

The band invites jazz enthusiasts of all ages to experience this quintessential American art form with no cover charge at Hal and Mal's. In an era of ever-evolving musical trends, the NBSJB stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic New Orleans jazz, played with both reverence for tradition and contagious joy.