Music Resumes on Bourbon Street Hours After New Year's Terror Attack
In the wake of a tragic New Year's Day truck attack that claimed 14 lives and injured 35 people in New Orleans' French Quarter, music has swiftly returned to Bourbon Street, exemplifying the city's resilient spirit.
Musicians performing on Bourbon Street New Orleans
Photo Credit: Bourbon Street by Chris Litherland / CC by 3.0
Despite initial plans for a 36-hour cleanup period, crews completed their work by 6 AM the following morning. By 11 AM, street musicians had already resumed performing, well ahead of the Sugar Bowl kickoff deadline.
The Ohlson Family Roadshow led the musical return on Royal Street, collecting tips while encouraging donations for attack victims. Local musician Aoleoin Broomfield, who performed later that day, expressed support for the quick reopening, noting the city's ongoing recovery from previous challenges like Hurricane Katrina and COVID-19.
Governor Jeff Landry confirmed increased law enforcement presence in the French Quarter and around Caesars Superdome, while city officials advocated for a swift return to normalcy.
"[Music] takes your mind off everything going on, even though it's temporary," Broomfield reflected. "It's healing. I just want things to be normal, even though it's not normal. So I like playing out here just so I can feel a little bit normal."
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