A city that lives on tourism couldn't buy advertising this good.

Hosting basketball's greatest stars for a game watched by millions in 215 countries was a boost in itself.

Organizers capitalized on that platform by greeting viewers with a French Quarter-style facade, a New Orleans brass band and second-line dancing so contagious that even players couldn't help from bouncing.

The faux French Quarter streetscape, built in a lower corner of the New Orleans Arena and featured during pre-game introductions, forced the NBA to sacrifice nearly a full section of excellent seating close to the court.

The NBA has made the rebuilding of New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina the primary theme of All-Star weekend. So it only made sense that the league would give up a few hundred seats so the city could showcase cultural richness that has fascinated tourists for generations.

Local trumpeters Kermit Ruffins and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews delighted the players and the crowd, backed up by the Rebirth Brass Band, a popular draw at local bars and clubs for years.

Extras danced on the balcony, some dressed in NBA jerseys and many wearing feather boas like those often worn by revelers on Bourbon Street.

The national anthem featured saxophone player Branford Marsalis and singer Stephanie Jordan, both New Orleans natives.

Then Hornets All-Stars David West and Chris Paul said a few words on the city's behalf.

"Your commitment to this great city has given us a tremendous boost," West said.

Added Paul: "New Orleans is definitely back to being the city that the world knows and loves."

The NBA reserved the halftime performance for a host of famous New Orleans musicians, including singer Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Davell Crawford, Art Neville, Ivan Neville, Jonathan Batiste and Ellis Marsalis, who is the patriarch of the musical Marsalis family and Connick's one-time teacher.

The pre-game and halftime entertainment featured the second part of a two-pronged message the NBA sought to send the world about New Orleans. On Friday, the league focused on the neighborhoods that are still reeling 2 1/2 years after Katrina struck. All-Stars joined 2,500 league employees on rebuilding projects.

But in addition to sending the message that New Orleans still needs help, commissioner David Stern said the league also wanted to remind the world that the cultural attractions that drive the all-important tourism industry here have endured.

Connick said New Orleans converted on the NBA's assist.

"New Orleans is known for its tourism, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and all that stuff. So to be able to present itself in such a positive way is really important," Connick said. "A lot of people I know say, 'We've never been to New Orleans and we're afraid to go because it may not be back together.' So when they see this, they know hotels are back, restaurants are back. It's really coming around."