What do you want to know? I spend a lot of time there so should be able to help answer your questions.
New Orleans has recovered significantly from the aftermath of Katrina, especially so in the touristy areas like the French Quarter and the Garden District. The only areas that are still in a state are mostly residential areas and the sort of areas that as a tourist you will want to avoid if you don't want a cap popped in yo ass.
The roads are horrible and a lot of areas still flood badly if there is a big enough shower of rain but if you stick to the FQ area or close by you'll be grand.
If you want to avoid crime you just need to have your head screwed on. Stick to the French Quarter, upper and lower Garden District, the CBD and the Warehouse district. Don't venture any further, especially at night. Avoid residential areas with people sitting on their porches during the day, avoid the men who assure you they can tell you which city you bought your footwear in, avoid anyone that approaches you in the street at random and avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas.
I don't mean to frighten you, it really isn't that dangerous. You just need to have some street smarts. People who lack common sense and ignore this kin of advice probably will end up getting fleeced though.
If it's music you're after, there is certainly no shortage of it! Bourbon Street is usually the first stop for most tourists and whilst there is plenty happening here it is all a bit too touristy and put on. If you want to hear some genuine NOLA music you need to venture slightly further. Some of my favourite hang outs for music are on Frenchmen Street. Kermit Ruffins owns a club here. Venues to check out are The Blue Nile, Checkpoint Charlies, The Spotted Cat and Snug Harbour. These places never fail to produce some good bands. They're about a 10 minute walk from Port of Call which is mentioned above. Get a feed of awesome burgers then go listen to some music, bliss
I don't know what else to add right now but if you have any questions, fire away.
