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Walk down memory lane listening to engaging jazz music and groove to those swing and blue notes to roll with the "good times" at the Jazz and Heritage Festival.
I was introduced to jazz music at a very young age, thanks to my father. He would listen to his records every Sunday after lunch. The house would fill with melodies by legends like Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone and Jackson Browne. That is why, when I heard about the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, I just knew I had to go!
Jazz music has emotionally engaged and strongly influenced so many generations growing up. Countless fields are both directly and indirectly inspired by jazz music. In the 1920s, it was seen as community celebration music. Brass bands would play loudly in local parks, sports events and even funerals. The streets would fill with the distinct sounds that are now associated with the jazz genre. Summer camping was incomplete without those smooth tunes that had folks dancing into the early hours of the morning.
It is believed that New Orleans is where jazz music originated. If you are a jazz music fan, New Orleans is your Mecca, and this is one pilgrimage you must undertake. The spiritual connection felt here is unlike anyplace else. Jazz emerged initially from ragtime, blues and marches in the city. This distinct genre has its roots set deep in African and European musical traditions and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival pays homage and celebrates the same!
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The festival is usually held in April/May, and the 2023 Festival dates were from 28th April to 7th May. Artists, performers and even spectators converge from across the world, making this the biggest 'Jazz Fest' and celebration that you can attend!
The festival tickets were divided into a few categories. I went for the Advance tickets that included General admission for the day. In case you are planning to attend, I have shared the ticket details below:
General Admission: $85
This includes access to all the performances for the day, the art exhibitions, craft booths and food stalls.
Big Chief VIP Pass: Base price is $1700 with daily on-site parking +$225 per VIP Pass (Limited availability). There are VIP Shuttles +$150 Per VIP Pass (Limited availability)
I would recommend buying this category simply because it is the best and most hassle-free way to enjoy the festival. The weekend package includes re-entry from the pedestrian gates, access to a covered section which has a private view of the three main stages and front-of-house bleachers at the WWOZ Jazz Tent and Blues Tent.
You also get private beverage stand access as well as Big Chief Hospitality Lounge full-service bar, complimentary light refreshments and restrooms. There is a VIP Shuttle service that picks you up from downtown New Orleans and allows for special entry into the Fair Grounds.
Grand Marshal VIP Pass: Base price is $1600 with daily on-site parking +$225 per VIP Pass (Limited availability). There are VIP Shuttles at +$150 Per VIP Pass (Limited availability). This festival ticket gives access to a golden circle standing room at three of the largest stages. Besides private restrooms, you also get access to the Grand Marshal Hospitality Tent. On-site parking is available for a limited number of people.
Krewe of Jazz Fest tickets: Base Price $850 + +$225 per VIP Pass (Limited availability).
VIP Shuttles +150 Per VIP Pass (Limited availability). It gives access to a covered viewing of the largest stage. Besides the VIP Shuttle service and private stand area, you get VIP entry at the Gentilly and Sauvage pedestrian gates.
AXS Customer Service: +1 (888) 370-7328
When I reached in the afternoon on the 28th there were so many stages to choose from. With so many big acts playing simultaneously, it can get confusing where to go. I suggest selecting your top 5-6 acts that you would like to see and make a note of the time they will perform. I like to stay organised and this is why I was not overwhelmed when I got to the festival. For me, the best acts were Dragon Smoke, Lizzo, Luther Kent and Trickbag and of course Wu-Tang Clan+The Soul Rebels. The energy at the stages was just incredible. You have to experience it once in your lifetime to understand what "all that jazz" is about--pun intended!
Dancing has a long association with jazz music. The New Orleans nightlife during the 19th century included polkas, waltzes, and everything in between. The night bands were borrowing from the brass marching bands. This meant the trombone, rhythm section of guitar, bass, drums and more all came to centre stage. The practice of every band member offering suggestions to enhance the pieces they were playing is where the fun began. The jazzmen came to be known for their blending improvised sections also called "collective improvisation". This made it hugely popular among the younger groups. The freedom, fun and fast-paced moves associated with this style were clearly a winner.
If you have not heard of Edward "Kid" Ory it is not surprising. He was a descendant of a white Frenchman and a Creole woman of Afro-Spanish with Native American heritage. Since the age of fourteen, he picked up the jazz culture and never looked back. They say he revolutionized the 'cutting contests' of marching bands when he began using motorized trucks instead of horse-drawn carriages.
Also affectionately called Nola, the reason why people come here from around the world is for the culture. If you are a foodie like me, you cannot be prepared enough for what is in store for you here! Do not miss out on classic dishes like Gumbo. This spicy stew is like a piece of history that you will eat. The recipe contains influences from Creole, French, Latin, Cuban, Native American, African-Amercian and Cajun cuisines. Sample this and a lot more at the Louisiana Folklife Village.
Discover the beautiful Mardi Gras floats, musicians making accordions, artists with their Krewe of Muses shoes and so much more! Another interesting place to visit here is the Native American Village. Taste the native cuisine like fried bread, and maque choux after buying some wood carvings and beadwork as souvenirs. Next, you can check out the GrandStand, a covered exhibit, which has a Food Heritage Stage, the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage and the Lagniappe Stage.
In 1996, the Cultural Exchange Pavilion was dedicated to Haiti. Here you will find local artists from regions of Brazil, South Africa, Belize, Cuba, Haiti, Mali and more. They have live demonstrations, music performances, parades and great food-all in one place here.
No matter the expectations you come with to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, I am sure you will leave feeling the soul of this place! It will definitely stay with you forever, long after the music is over and the food is polished off. Book today and come with friends, family or any loved ones who enjoy a great musical and cultural experience. It will be a trip of a lifetime. One you can tell others about, so that they may decide to experience the beauty and simple joy of Jazz music for themselves.
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