Music returned to Bourbon Street in New Orleans just one day after a devastating New Year's Day truck attack that claimed 14 lives and injured 35 people. Clean-up crews completed their work by 6 AM the following morning, well ahead of the planned 36-hour reopening timeline set to accommodate the Sugar Bowl.

The first sounds of music emerged around 11 AM when The Ohlson Family Roadshow, a group of local buskers, began performing on Royal Street. While collecting tips, they encouraged donations for the attack victims.

Local musician Aoleoin Broomfield, who performed after the Roadshow, expressed support for the quick reopening: "I still feel like we're reeling from the aftereffects of Katrina, and even COVID. We lost a lot of tourism, and a lot of businesses closed down during COVID. I hate to see another thing happen."

Governor Jeff Landry increased law enforcement presence in the French Quarter and around Caesars Superdome, while city and state officials advocated for a swift return to normal activities.

Broomfield emphasized music's healing role: "It takes your mind off everything going on, even though it's temporary. It's healing. I just want things to be normal, even though it's not normal. So I like playing out here just so I can feel a little bit normal."

The resilient spirit of New Orleans shone through as the streets transformed from a crime scene to a familiar celebration of music and culture, demonstrating the city's unwavering commitment to preserving its vibrant musical heritage even in the face of tragedy.

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