The Joy Theater

Growing up in New Orleans, the Joy in my mind was for the most part just a dilapidated shell of a former theater. It always looked like a sad blight on the corner and a reminder of «what used to be». I’m sure back in the day when Canal Street was the Cultural Center of New Orleans and a shopping mecca back in the days of Maison Blanche and Krauss department stores, the Joy was a beacon of style and class… but time had it fall into dis-​repair. It’s just a joy — no pun intended — to see it restored to that former glory.
I’ve had the chance to enjoy this venue in 2 different set-​ups. I went to a concert and sat in the front row of the balcony and it was a great venue for a smaller intimate concert. I like it much better than House of Blues for the same size event. I also went to a party there where the first floor was an open space with bars, food stations and scattered hi-​boys. I love that this venue is a theatre that also easily doubles as open party flow event space.
I’m an event planner and happily can recommend the Joy for a unique venue for a meeting held theatre style or for a really fun and different networking social or party. Event planners like me are always looking for ways to shake up a boring business meeting or conference and this place easily fits the bill. I’m already thinking of ways to use this space in the coming year!
I’m thrilled that Unilocal had the Bloody Bash party there at Halloween so I could experience it for myself. Thanks for that!

I saw «Foul Play» as a girl. The best pat of the movie was when Chevy Chase kissed Goldie Hawn in the morning afterglow, and a kid yelled, «OOOH! He didn’t even brush his teeth!»
I can say this place must have gotten a Sonic brushing, ’cause it’s way cleaner than it was back then! I love the random events that take place here: yoga, worship services, live music, and other oddities.