Open from 1993 to 2010, Donna’s Bar and Grill, located at 800 North Rampart Street, was a true microcosm of New Orleans music and culture. For nearly eighteen years, musicians of all backgrounds and disciplines gathered nightly for community, camaraderie, collaboration, and education. At the heart of it all were Donna Poniatowski Sims, the club’s namesake and owner, and her husband, Charlie Sims. Together, they created an atmosphere that welcomed musicians, artists, neighborhood residents, visitors, and music lovers from around the world. With the foresight to document the people and moments that filled the club, Donna and Charlie captured a remarkable visual history of a pivotal period in New Orleans music.

The exhibition features photographs capturing musicians and patrons doing what Donna’s inspired them to do best: playing, connecting, celebrating, and enjoying themselves. Images of Troy Andrews, Shannon Powell, Kermit Ruffins, Doc Paulin, Uncle Lionel Batiste, and many others offer an intimate glimpse into the energy and creativity that made Donna’s such a special gathering place.

Through Donna and Charlie Sims’ photographs, visitors to the exhibition are invited to experience—and perhaps begin to understand—the joyful essence of this truly legendary New Orleans venue. Their photographs preserve not only the musicians who performed at Donna’s, but also the sense of community, spontaneity, and celebration that made the club unique.