DBA at Palace Market, a new outdoor music venue on Frenchmen Street will host its grand opening on Thursday, May 20. Located at 619 Frenchmen Street, directly across from the original DBA venue, the new performance space will provide a beautiful outdoor setting for table seating, beverage service, and a lineup of many of favorite acts who define the Frenchmen Street music scene.
Tom Thayer, owner of DBA for 21 years, is partnering with Gregor Fox, owner of the Palace Market, to offer music fans a completely new and enhanced experience, including reserved seating and mobile cocktail service brought directly to the table. For many months since Frenchmen Street emerged from pandemic-related shutdowns, DBA has hosted a popular series of sidewalk buskers opposite the music club’s entrance.
To celebrate the return of live music to Frenchmen Street, DBA at Palace Market will present a showcase New Orleans’ finest talent. The opening weekend lineup includes Ivan Neville, Papa Mali, Holly Rock, New Orleans Jazz Vipers, and more. The outdoor venue will host multiple concerts and events from Friday through Sunday every week. Tickets and table reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be purchased at dbaneworleans.com (click on the SHOWS tab to view upcoming events and purchase advance tickets).
DBA owner Tom Thayer is collaborating with Fox Pocket founder Andrew Portwood to offer an authentic New Orleans concert experience for locals and visitors alike. With the reopening of live music venues continuing in New Orleans, the two have worked to ensure a safe and responsible outdoor venue dedicated to preserving the legacy of live music in our beloved city.
“I opened DBA with my partners during Jazz Fest of 2000,” said Thayer. “When DBA reopened after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, being able to gather with friends and neighbors for live music was what got many of us through those difficult times. Faced with a global pandemic, we’ve all been affected especially hard—musicians, music venues and music fans alike. Live music is the fabric of New Orleans culture and community, but while we’re eager to get back to what we love, it’s important that we do it mindfully and responsibly. With that task at the forefront, I’ve become re-energized to re-imagine DBA as we move forward. With the support of my wife Wendy, and teaming up with Gregor and Andrew, we’re now expanding DBA to the cool outdoor space of the Palace Market and giving the New Orleans community a safe place to enjoy what we all love, live music on Frenchmen Street.”
At the time of this announcement, the original DBA venue has no live music performances scheduled while awaiting the City of New Orleans to release updated guidelines for indoor venues.
