Honoring Musical Legends: Curtis Doucette and the Restoration of the Dew Drop Inn

Does the story of a forgotten cultural landmark, at the crossroads of history and music, resonate with you?

Preservationist developer Curtis Doucette breathes life into the historic Dew Drop Inn, fighting to restore its musical legacy and create a space that honors the past while embracing a diverse future.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unearth the transformative journey of the Dew Drop Inn and its rebirth in New Orleans.
• Gain insights into how the Dew Drop Inn shaped the civil rights movement.
• Learn how the restoration project is empowering small, disadvantaged businesses.
• Appreciate the dedicated efforts to preserve the pulsating cultural and musical heritage of New Orleans.
• Discover how the Dew Drop Inn will serve as an interactive history hub for visitors.

“Our goal with the Dew Drop Inn project is to restore it to its former glory and be as close to what it used to be as possible.” – Curtis Doucette

Sponsors

The Historic New Orleans Collection

Support comes from The Historic New Orleans Collection, the city’s premiere history museum, located at five twenty Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter. 

Check out their online publication called First Draft. Its’ a combination blog and online exhibition space. hnoc.org/firstdraft

Through November 5, 2023, check out  their exhibit about women’s right to vote. Titled, “Yet She Is Advancing”: New Orleans Women and the Right to Vote, 1878–1970 

The 19th amendment granted American women the right to vote, in 1920,  but Louisiana laws effectively disenfranchised Black women. 

As many white women began going to the polls and increasing their political participation in segregation-era New Orleans, African American women continued to fight for access to the ballot.

This exhibit tells a decades-long story through objects, images, documents, and interactive displays—and through the words of the New Orleans women who for nearly 100 years persisted in their struggle to obtain the vote.

And until October 8, 2023 you can check out the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.

As always, the Historic New Orleans Collection is free. It’s somehow continues to fly under the radar, but should not be missed.

Go to HNOC.org/Visit to plan your trip.

Accidental Cajun Photography

If you own a copy of the Beyond Bourbon St travel guide, you’ve seen the work of James Cullen of Accidental Cajun Photography.

Whether it’s portraits, events, weddings or lifestyle or photojournalism, Accidental Cajun Photography provides quality and value.

James also offers photography instruction and sells his fine art prints at TheAccidentalCajun.com. For inquiries email at accidentalcajun@gmail.com.

All the Bitter

Our newest sponsor, All the Bitter, make 100% alcohol free bitters using organic ingredients. Winners of 20 awards from major spirit competitions, they can be used in both alcohol-based and alcohol free concoctions. I’ve tried them in multiple drinks, and on vanilla ice cream.

They have four main bitters now, with several experimental varieties on the way. The ones I have are the New Orleans, inspired by Peychaud’s, as well as Orange, Lavender, and Aromatic which is inspired by Angostura. Place your order at allthebitter.com and use code BBS15 to get 15% off your order or shop locally in New Orleans at Dream House Lounge.

Thank You

Thanks to Curtis Doucette for joining me today! Thanks also to our podcast editor Joel Sharpton from Pro Podcast Services. 

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on

Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts. If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.

Purchase our Travel Guide to New Orleans

Did you know I wrote a book. The Beyond Bourbon Street Insider’s Guide to New Orleans is your curated guide to exploring the city as if you were my guest. To discover purchase options, click here.