Better late than never? I had been hearing for years about the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, but never attended because it sounded too big and overwhelming. However, when I saw the line up for second weekend (Black Keys and Phoenix!), I decided to take the plunge and head down to the Big Easy.
The bus let us out in the parking lot, and a walk along the fence brought me to the grand entrance:
Flying out on Thursday morning got me to my hotel in the afternoon, with plenty of time to catch the shuttle bus (across the street) and get to the fairgrounds before the weekend crowds descended. And too, I needed to go check out Widespread Panic for my pal Ashley. POURING RAIN!!! Mud was forming everywhere and people were either removing shoes and enjoying the squish, or they had rainboots in every shape and style – some of the cutest was definitely ankle high cowboy (girl) rainboots. I felt so unprepared! But I did had an umbrella and my raincoat, so I went and danced long enough to get soaked, before seeking cover in one of the big tents. Here’s a good view of the scene:
Just to back up a bit, the music program ran from 11 am until 7 pm each day for 4 days. There were several outdoor stages (two main, the Fai Do-Do, which had cajun and another I can’t remember) and then the really huge Jazz, Blues and Gospel Tents, as well as a couple smaller ones with more local jazz/NO music. At music festivals, it is always a challenge to decide whether to try and taste a bit of each all through the day, and increase the chances of making a real find, or just be mellow and hang in one area to just let it wash over you. I did some of each for sure – particularly when the bands I came to see were on, I just enjoyed the full set. Other times, when exploring, I might land in a spot when a song would carry me away. I would hang out until I lost that feeling, and then wander until I got caught up somewhere else.
That night I headed out to a lovely restaurant to enjoy some incredible salad/veggies:
Each night, clubs all through town have booked acts, and many shows lasted until 3 or so in the morning. So hard to decide where to go! I selected one that sounded good, and headed over after dinner (I could walk there from the hotel). When I first arrived, of course there was hardly anyone there (why arrive before 10:30?). But soon enough, the DJ packed up his paraphernalia and out comes the first act.
They were pretty good, and before long, I struck up a conversation with some folks nearby who had driven over from Mississippi. We laughed and enjoyed the acts and headed out during set breaks to enjoy the night air. I made it until about 3 am and had to call it a night.