There are a lot of things about New Orleans that outsiders find odd-that St. Patrick's Day is a de facto postal holiday, for example, or that the recently deceased must wait until after Mardi Gras to be laid to rest.

But perhaps one of the most unique things about New Orleans is the fact that Tuesday night is the best night of the week. Tuesday night is when the truly dedicated first emerge from their Sunday hangovers to begin a new week of music appreciation. Tuesday night draws ...