If you want to experience music the way the locals do head on over to Frenchmen Street.  Go ahead and spend your first day on Bourbon Street and then follow the locals to Frenchmen Street and never look back.  Here is where all the locals go to enjoy the best music and low prices.  Favorites include the "Spotted Cat".  If some of the neighbors join in and begin dancing you will be in for a real treat.  Other places include "Snug Harbor", "Dragon's Den", DBA and "Igors Checkpoint Charlie.  Igors lets you listen to music, drink and do your laundry all at the same time.