[nvmrfgopyy]

The ganbangers would never shoot musicians man. They have too much respect for us. Seriously.

Interesting question, with a complicated answer. You still see people playing on the street in the French Quarter, particularly around Jackson Square, but that's really a tourist thing. There was quite a bit of friction pre-Katrina between musicians and rich, corporate condo types over the 'disruption' of street music (although to me buying a condo in the FQ and then complaining about music is kind of like buying at the beach and complaing about the surf). The late Tuba Fats did a lot of brokering between parties in this. Since Katrina the issue has died down a bit, but it flares up from time to time.

The really stupid stuff happens in the Treme, which post Katrina has seen an influx of white gentrifyers who apparently think 'culture' should confine itself to museums. These are the asshats who complain everytime a second line kicks off. A number of musicians have been arrested for "disturbing the peace" behind this in the last couple of years, most notably trombonist Glenn David Andrews. Dr. John even recorded a tune on his new album called "My People Need a Second Line."

Petty police harrasment notwithstanding though, the culture remains strong. There's a parade pretty much every sunday during 'parade season' (roughly sept. to may). I had a band blast by outside my front door just a couple of weeks ago.

Here's a youtube of a parade I got stuck behind driving home rom work a couple of years ago. Lady Steppers with the Free Agents brass band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARRjqjAS2pc