If you've never been to New Orleans, may I please suggest you forego Mardi Gras for an equally crowded, but infinitely more entertaining event? It's the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and—not to take anything away from Christmas, but— it's the most wonderful time of the year! I've been singing it all month ...
This most wondrous occasion takes place the last weekend of April and first weekend of May every year, come rain or shine. It's packed with incredible and varied music acts from big names (this year headliners included Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Tim McGraw, Billy Joel, and Stevie Wonder) to local zydeco, bluegrass, and gospel.
Music isn't all Jazz Fest has to offer though. You can buy African-inspired jewelry and crafts at Congo Square, explore the Louisiana Folklife Village, catch a Mardi Gras Indian parade, watch a cooking demonstration at the Zatarain's Food Heritage Stage, and—most importantly—eat. The crawfish bread can't be missed, and it's the only time of year you're going to get it. Important tip: don't wait until the end of the day to indulge or you'll end up like me in 2006, better known in my household as "The Year of the Tragic Crawfish Bread-less Jazz Fest." Other winners include the New Orleans classics of Roman Candy and the tastiest pralines in the world, Loretta's pralines. Side note: I visited Loretta's in the Quarter so often as a child, that Loretta herself knew who I was. It was the thrill of my life when at a Jazz Fest many years ago, she asked if I was feeling better (I'd last seen her while "sick" on a school day) and she gave me a praline on the house. Could you ever doubt my devotion?
You've still got time to make it this year, so go ahead and buy your tickets! You can order basic entry tickets, Grand Marshal VIP passes, or the ultimate Big Chief VIP Experience. As you may have guessed, the VIP packs come with special perks, such as access to special viewing areas, covered grandstands, hospitality lounges, and more. And if the weatherman calls for rain like he did last weekend, don't let that deter you. Just slip on your rain boots, don a trash bag or other plastic cover-up, and dance the day away like the rest of the crowd. After all, it's New Orleans—Laissez-les bon temps roulez! (That means let the good times roll ...)
(Photo: nojazzfest.com)
