New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
According to the website, the spirit of Jazz Fest was born in 1970 when Mahalia Jackson, the famous gospel singer, spontaneously began singing along with a crowd of second-line revelers during the Louisiana Heritage Fair. It was a meeting of “jazz and heritage,” a fusion emblematic of New Orleans and its unique culture. Today, the festival boasts over ten stages, genres including zydeco, gospel, and blues, and acts ranging from international legend, Elton John, to local favorites, 610 Stompers. It is a globally renowned gathering of musicians and artists that in my opinion, is unparalleled.
The essence of Jazz Fest is wandering. Yes, you can build your day around a legendary headliner, but the real joy is in discovery. The gospel tent is always a sure bet, and I’ll never forget stumbling upon Brushy One String slaying on his single-string guitar at the Jazz and Heritage stage freshman year. I also recommend being equally adventurous with the food. There are six different food areas, and even a dedicated Food Heritage Stage where chefs and cooks display Louisiana’s culinary traditions. At Jazz Fest, I try to never eat the same food twice, but I can’t help going back to Panorama for Crawfish Bread, WWOZ for their Mango Freeze, and then getting a Plum St. Sno-Ball for dessert.
As a Tulane student, I have come to love Jazz Fest because it is a great opportunity to enjoy diverse music with friends new and old, and celebrate the end of the finals. The university makes it easy for students to attend as well, by offering discounted tickets through the bookstore, and providing shuttles to City Park. Overall, JF is a singularly New Orleanian experience – the best memories arise from the most unexpected stages, acts, and people, and I can guarantee that if you keep an open mind and ear, you will fall in love with this one-of-a-kind festival!
By: Justin Picard
Photo Credit:
http://www.nola.com/jazzfest/index.ssf/2015/04/new_orleans_jazz_fest_2015_jim.html
http://www.biteandbooze.com/2012/05/wonder-where-crawfish-bread-at-jazzfest.html
http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/f9d78c8b994790075715b6fcca8ab215d5168d65/c=35-0-566-400&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/WWL/WWL/2014/09/10/1410371471001-10-banana-foster-cream-plum-st.jpg
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