Tipitina's, affectionately known as "Tips," is a legendary music venue located at 501 Napoleon Avenue in Uptown New Orleans. Established in 1977 by a group of Tulane University students and alumni known as the "Fabulous Fourteen," the club was created to provide a dedicated performance space for the iconic R&B pianist Professor Longhair, whose song "Tipitina" inspired the venue's name. Professor Longhair graced the stage until his passing in 1980, and his legacy continues to be honored with a bronze bust at the entrance and his portrait above the stage .

The building housing Tipitina's was constructed in 1912 and has a colorful history, having previously served as a gambling house, gymnasium, and brothel. In its early days as a music venue, Tipitina's featured a juice bar, restaurant, and bar; the banana in its logo is a nod to that juice bar . In the early 1980s, the studios of radio station WWOZ were located in an upstairs apartment, and the station would occasionally broadcast live shows by lowering a microphone through a hole in the floor .

Over the years, Tipitina's has hosted a myriad of legendary performances, including Nine Inch Nails during their "Pretty Hate Machine" tour in 1990 and Fats Domino's final public performance in 2007. The venue's ambiance, characterized by its balconies, barn rafters, and checkered dance floor, offers a spacious yet intimate setting that resonates with the soulful spirit of New Orleans .

In December 2018, the New Orleans-based funk band Galactic purchased Tipitina's, ensuring that the venue remains a cornerstone of the city's vibrant music scene. Under their ownership, Tipitina's continues to showcase a diverse array of musical acts, from local brass bands to touring rock and funk groups, maintaining its status as a beloved institution in the heart of New Orleans .