New Orleans in the 1930s. Young Sonny Comeaux is worried. Mama has lost her job, and if they miss just paying one day of their rent, the landlord will put them out on the street. As Sonny wanders sadly through Jackson Square after school, his attention is caught by the lively music of a popular jazz musician. Sonny returns day after day and soon finds himself explaining his problem to the musician. What Sonny learns then - how to raise money while having the world's best party - changes his life forever.