If you have never been to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, you are missing out. Today marks the festival’s first day of activities.
In April of 1970, the first of many Jazz Fests was held in New Orleans. In attendance were greats such as Mahalia Jackson, who has been dubbed the greatest gospel singer ever, along with many other legendary artists. Since that time, the festival has grown into a giant event spanning two weekends, being covered by some of the world’s foremost musicians.
The Jazz Fest’s own website contains a quote that says, “This spontaneous, momentous scene—this meeting of jazz and heritage—has stood for decades since as a stirring symbol of the authenticity of the celebration that was destined to become a cultural force.â€Â This is an accurate description of not only the Jazz Fest, but of New Orleans itself. Despite its many problems, it is the most culturally diverse and unique city on the face of this earth – which only serves to make this event one to remember.
Don’t miss this event that is held on the grounds of the Fair Grounds Race Course, the third-oldest racetrack in America. There are 12 stages of music – jazz, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and even the unique New Orleans bounce music. This is an event that truly has something for “everyoneâ€.
Make sure to check it out & don’t forget that New Orleans legendary Partners-N-Crime is performing just after noon on Sunday at the Congo Square Stage – not to mention the countless artists performing all day today through next Sunday’s closing.
