From street parades to nightclubs, from churches to dance halls, music has been essential to New Orleans' unique culture. These sounds that emanated from the Crescent City have played a key role in the evolution of American music. Spanning improvised, polyrhythmic, call & response drum performances on the streets of Congo Sq. To symphony orchestras & opera houses that, although segregated, were open to whites, Creoles & slaves, some of the 20th century's most creative & influential music emerged from the expressive melting pot of diverse musical styles in New Orleans.