New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival [View all]

I had the great fortune to attend the Jazz Fest this year.

I lived in New Orleans for 21 years before Katrina and went every year. Since Katrina, this is my third fest and it is as wonderful as it has always been.

We rented a 4 bedroom house in the riverbend area and had different guests the first weekend and the last weekend. The house was great - classic old New Orleans style. While not inexpensive, staying anywhere during the fest is not going to be cheap, and when you break it down per room, you are going to pay about the same for a basic motel. With the house you get so much more - large spaces to gather with friends, a full kitchen, outdoor spaces and areas where you can be quietly alone. Here is a link to the VRBO site for the oulala house:

http://www.vrbo.com/353194



I went to the fest one day each weekend. Some of my friends went additional days. Fortunately, I chose Friday to go, which was warm, breezy and dry. It stormed on Saturday and Sunday, but the crowds came anyway. The best way to do Jazz Fest, imo, is to set up a "base camp" right away at one of the bigger stages. This allows everyone to go out to the different stages, craft areas and food booths at their own pace and have a place to keep stuff and to sit for a spell.



Jazz fest is not just about jazz. There is just about every kind of music you can think of, from big acts to gospel to reggae to doo woo. And, of course, lots and lots of New Orleans music. There are about 8 venues at any given time and definitely something for everyone.

http://lineup.nojazzfest.com

And then there is the food. Lots and lots of some of the best food you will ever eat. My personal favorites are:


crawfish monica


conchon de lait poboy


Nachitoches Meat Pies

All washed down with strawberry lemonade, frozen daquiris or ice cold beer.

Everyone dances, everyone laughs, everyone has a great time.

If you ever get the chance, go. You will not regret it.

L'aissez les bons temps roule!!