In the south we typically do not get the luxury of experiencing the changing of seasons. During my DC days, I’d marvel at the changing of the leaves as it is truly a wonder to behold. But in the south, we are granted no such feast. It is simply hot and cool with dabbles of cold. Our seasons in New Orleans are carnival, hurricane, holiday and festival. Festival season is arguably the best time of the year. And New Orleans has festivals a plenty. Creole tomatoes, merlitons, friend chicken, po boys, king cakes, Satchmo and French Quarter, to name a few, seemingly small facets of everyday life are all celebrated with grandeur. One festival stands head and shoulders above the rest. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is a shining culmination of all that Nola embodies; music, food and mystical fun.
The Jazz
Forty three years ago, in 1970, the Jazz and Heritage Festival originated within the Louisiana Heritage Festival. Famed gospel singer, and New Orleans native, Mahalia Jackson, attended and appeared along side Duke Ellington. When given a microphone she would perform with a local brass band, already in performance and the essence of the Jazz Fest would be born in that moment. In the decades since, it has grown from 350 total attendees to topping out at 650,000 in 2001. Boasting twelve stages, the Jazz Fest offers a plethora of music genres. From gospel to pop, folk to jazz, the audience is treated to local up and comers to well seasoned veterans of he stage. In it’s infancy, the talent pool was filled with local fare and being that it is New Orleans, there wasn’t a shortage to see. Now the festival talent pool ranges and is inclusive of international acts. Whatever you want to hear is there, ranging from the familiar to something new at every turn.
The Heritage
The heritage aspect is no less spectacular, with our vibrant culture on full display. There are exhibits and talks sprinkled throughout for all to wander and take in. It is inclusive of our homegrown culture and celebratory of cultures far away with ties to our great city. Educational and fun, the heritage is woven throughout the Jazz Fest experience in its entirety. It is nothing to get swept into a “second line” procession or to be grazed with the colorful feathers of our “New Orleans Indians,” during their dances. Without warning your attention will be drawn from one thing to the next, with darting eyes and tickled ears; the pageantry and presentation of it all, incomparable. And to think, this is all happening while trying to make your way from grabbing your food and heading back to your designated spot.
Which brings me to...
The Food
Housed in the New Orleans Fairgrounds, the festival set up is conducive to nothing but a good time. Surrounding the talent is a smorgasbord of equally tantalizing culinary fare. With everything from our signature red beans and rice, to more imaginative offerings such as Cochin De Lait po boys or crawfish enchiladas, the food alone is a reason to indulge in the festival. From savory to sweet, the options are seemingly endless. Ok, I will admit something here that may not be a popular opinion....I come to the Jazz Fest for the food. I come with a game plan of what booth I will go to first and what will follow. My husband and I tag team. At heart we are health conscious. Most of the time. Except at this event. But we do have a plan. We share. Now, you may think this is sweet, and it is. But mostly it is strategic. It is the best way to maximize our stomach space. There is just so much to have and all of it is worth it. Strawberry Lemonade, Herbal Teas, and champagne are there to quench your thirst. White chocolate bread pudding, stuffed beignets and the always popular mango freeze and there to satisfy any sweet tooth. Delicacies ranging from Native American fry bread, African Spinach (Jama Jama) and Vietnamese Ba Mein are there to satisfy your authentic international cravings. It’s all there and it’s all good.
For the culture
The Jazz Festival is a festival for all. The best part is the cross section of people that are experiencing it at your sides. Together we are ageless, without the constraints of politics, race, gender or orientation. Together we are soaking in and celebrating who we are. Typically you get to the Fest and claim your space. You create your world atop a tarp or blanket, with foldable chairs and plant a flag for easy recognition when going to fetch food. Flags are also a great marker for your friends and family to find you. And here you may sit most of the day; orbiting the grounds, taking in the sights and sounds. But there is always a home base for you to return. For two weekends at the end of April, the Jazz and Heritage Festival is a mighty microcosm of the crescent city. It is all that we are made of on display in the most beautiful way. I have fond memories of performing in the kids tent and as a mom watching my children experience the Fest for the first time. All of it inspires inexplicable joy. Music at it’s core is healing and transformative. Coupled with the magic of New Orleans’ culture, food and it’s magnanimous people, the Jazz and Heritage Festival is truly something to behold. It is arguably the happiest time of the year in city. If you are so fortunate, make your way down to soak in all the festival and the space has to offer.
2018 Jazz and Heritage Festival
April 27th-29th, May 3rd-6th
New Orleans, Louisiana
For more information and the incredible musical lineup, visit