Dispatches from The Big Easy - Part 1
We had gone out with some friends to Johnny D's, the late, great Somerville music venue. This was 1997, and unfortunately, I don't recall who was performing. There were (5) of us having dinner before the show, and one of the group started to talk about the thing called JazzFest. Something stuck, and the next year was our first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. We have been attending since 1998.
New Orleans and JazzFest are not for everyone. New Orleans has long struggled with crime, poverty, and the Southern historical legacy. But it is a great American city and a fascinating place. New Orleans culture is unique, influenced by the Spanish, the French, by Africa and Native Americans. Some writers refer to New Orleans as a Caribbean city. New Orleans culture is unlike anyplace I've traveled, and this intrepid traveler learns something new every visit.
The problem with JazzFest is choices. There are twelve stages/tents with jazz, gospel Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean and folk. There are over 50 stands that feature all the regional food groups. Which music to see? What food to sample.? How to be in two places at the same time. There are eight days of JazzFest. The attached schedule is for one day. JazzFest can kick your ass.
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