The 44th annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival went splendidly over the last couple weeks, offering more than 400,000 attendees what Jimmy Buffet says is hands-down “the best culture, music and art festival.” Originally a spontaneous event, Jazz Fest started when gospel singer Mahalia Jackson got together with Duke Ellington and a long list of friends to celebrate New Orleans heritage. Despite rain on most of the days, the crowd stopped at nothing to come support the culture, music, and art behind Jazz Fest as well as the performers that took the front lines.
This year set a precedent for broadcasting as Jazz Fest streamed live for the first time ever for friends and fans, near and far. The good people at Shell made sure people got a taste of NOLA’s finest by airing the festival on AXS TV. The event was also featured 24/7 via TuneIn Radio by playing music from its performers. First time performances by The Black Keys, Maroon 5, Phoenix and many more, fueled music lovers that gathered in support of the NOLA vibes. Greats like Daryl Hall and John Oates, Ivan Neville, Willy Nelson, and Billy Joel had no quarrels when it came to delivering unforgettable shows to fans young and old.
Jazz Fest offers it all when it comes to a festival; from music to heritage that has been surviving through moments like these for decades, Jazz Fest 2013 fully encompassed what a 10-day festival should. Adding to the fest’s success was the food; taking old-time family recipes and combining them with the culture, music, and art, worked wonders on the crowd. The food is amazing, and it also gives out-of-towners an opportunity to taste some of the best soul food there is! Crawfish, jumbalaya, alligator, Boudin balls, fresh squeezed lemonade and Po-boys are just a handful of unique, southern items offered on-site.
Time is ticking and the 45th annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest will be upon us before we know it, so start planning and expect nothing but the best! Jazz Fest is a force to be reckoned within the festival scene and will always stand alone in the eyes of its patrons. All and all it was great fest and attendees are all in agreement when it comes to describing the fest as one that successfully embodies music, culture, art, and some of the best food in the country.