![oz gay bar new orleans african american oz gay bar new orleans african american](https://irs3.4sqi.net/img/general/width960/217810_LguDKaYR4X61k2WTLVl-IGv-6SPQjkl0q61feO1UkaM.jpg)
However, the Little Gem Saloon was finally reopened in late 2012 after a $5 million renovation.
![oz gay bar new orleans african american oz gay bar new orleans african american](https://gonola.com/images/NOTMC_22170_PB.jpg)
The Little Gem Saloon was left to rot, but interest in reviving the building and the surrounding area started in 2006 – plans stopped for a while when the 2008 recession hit. Following this, the space was once again turned into a jazz lounge that continued to operate throughout the 1950s.Įventually, the Little Gem Saloon and the surrounding area faced hard times and several businesses began to close. From 1926 – 1949, the building was used as a loan office, where musicians came to hang out and pawn and buy instruments. The Little Gem Saloon was first opened in 1903 by Frank Daroux and was frequented by legendary jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Buddy Bolden. National Register of Historic Places for its significance as a center of New Orleans music tradition. Photo source: Flickr via Infrogmation of New OrleansĪlthough the Little Gem Saloon spent decades unused and rotting before it was revived in 2012, the jazz lounge/bar holds a special place in New Orleans music history – the building is listed in the U.S. Previously Used As: Jazz lounge loan office