The book, Donna’s Bar and Grill—New Orleans, contains first person narratives that bring stories of the “Brass Band Headquarters” to life through the sharing of memories and memorabilia. The many photographs and taped interviews of the musicians (and patrons) of the iconic French Quarter music venue, Donna’s Bar and Grill, written by the owner, Donna Poniatowski Sims, articulates the story of how Donna’s was instrumental in the evolution and promotion of brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians into New Orleans club venues in the 1990s and early 21st century.

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At the time of this writing, many have achieved fame and recognition on the national and international stage as well. Also included is the history of the many New Orleans artists whose musical careers began in a brass band and morphed into straight-ahead jazz (bebop) and/or classical or other genres such as Zydeco and Blues/Rhythm and Blues. This book, a personal form of documentation about a real place and its events, contributes a memorable perspective to the cultural history of the remarkably unique New Orleans style of music which has influenced other musicians and composers around the world.

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