Known for its great live music and Memphis barbecue, B.B. King’s Blues Club (1104 Decatur St. in New Orleans) will host its grand opening in the heart of the French Quarter on February 18. Tourists and locals alike will find B.B. King Blues Club to be a destination for good music and great food.

The club will feature their famous Memphis barbecue coupled with classic New Orleans dishes and an Oyster Bar. Enjoy the Memphis fare including their Famous Dry Ribs, Smoked Prime Rib, and Pulled Pork or try a New Orleans favorite such as Gumbo Ya Ya, Shrimp and Grits or an Oyster Po Boy. Cornbread is a southern staple and B.B. King’s is well loved for that reason. Guests can wash all of that down with a drink from the copper-topped bar or one of B.B. King’s classic cocktails or local craft beers.

B.B. King’s Blues Club named New Orleans native Syrena Johnson as its executive chef. Johnson is a local talent that entered the program at Liberty Kitchen after Katrina displaced her family and found a mentor in Chef John Besh. From there, Johnson won Besh’s foundation’s scholarship to the International Culinary Center in New York City and after graduation returned home to share her talents with New Orleans.

At B.B. King’s live music will be played seven days a week. The B.B. King All-Star Band will entertain guests four nights a week and local bands will play three to four nights a week. The music will begin even earlier at 11 a.m. on Sunday featuring a Jazz/Blues brunch.

“We have been looking for a location in New Orleans for a decade and are excited to bring our world famous barbecue and all-day entertainment to the heart of the French Quarter. We work to honor the music legacy of B.B. King and our All-Star band will play everything from authentic blues, classic soul, rock and roll, and jazz for our guests. We want you to come enjoy the food and stay for the music,” says Tommy Peters, president of Beale Street Blues Company.

Tony Coleman, B.B. King’s drummer for more than 30 years is the music director for the club and ensures that the music is a top-notch tribute to the late musician. New Orleans offers the opportunity to showcase music that B.B. King’s hasn’t had in other locations, and employing local musicians is the only way to get it right. Coleman says, “The opportunity to put music together for a location in New Orleans is a dream come true. While touring, we were only able to be here for a night or two so I am looking forward to being involved in the city’s music scene for a long time.”