Prelude To The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival  2018

Cost Comparisons

During our formative years, those appointed over us taught a lesson in decision making….. based upon value and cost comparison. We simplified the process by stating, “You get what you’ve paid for.” The same applies to making wise choices for your entertainment costs.

When deciding what those costs should be, it’s wise to have a comparison among common items of equal value. Although, many times the decision may include variables that influence your decision to reconsider the principles of your choice. You’ll notice significant variability, as you consider cost comparison for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival among other venues of commonality.

You may witness some negative responses when asking prospective fans of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival “Are you going to Jazz Fest this year?” Some may say, “It costs too much and the cost continues to go up.” Careful consideration of this information will reveal,  their statement may not have foundation. The choice to no longer attend may not be based upon a thorough understanding of the variability relating to that choice.

The following information will provide you with a better understanding of the true value for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. We’ll discover the comparative cost of this event in terms of major artists performing at other venues, during recent performances. You’ll also know the true cost of admission to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as posted by authorized vendors for this year’s event.

You may encounter individuals on the street offering tickets for entry to Jazz Fest. For your protection, please refrain from purchasing tickets in this manner. There’s a high probability that tickets purchased from street vendors will not be honored for admission through the gates of Jazz Fest.

The following is a list of authorized vendors for entry to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The levels of access vary, depending upon the choice you may prefer. Remember, only the following agencies will provide access through the gates:

www.ticketmaster.com

http://www.nojazzfest.com/tickets

http://www.wwoz.org/support/join-wwoz/brass-pass-details

Levels of Access and Costs: New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

First Weekend Single Day Tickets; 27, 28, and 29, April 2018

Single Day Walk-Up Ticket Purchase Venue

·         Advance Adult Tickets: $65.

·         Adult Gate Tickets: $80 (each ticket valid for any single day during this weekend)

·         Childs Ticket: $5 (Available as gate purchase, only. Adult must accompany children, ages 2-10. Children below age two, no admission cost.)

·         Single day tickets do not provide reentry privileges. Each entry to the festival under the terms of this ticket requires purchase of another ticket.

Single Day Walk-Up Ticket Purchase Venue

Second Weekend Single Day Tickets; 3, 4, 5, and 6 May 2018

·         Advance Adult Tickets: $65.

·         Adult Gate Tickets: $80 (each ticket valid for any single day during this weekend)

·         Childs Ticket: $5 (Available as gate purchase, only. Adult must accompany children, ages 2-10. Children below age two, no admission costs. )

·         Single day tickets do not provide reentry privileges. Each entry to the festival under the terms of this ticket requires purchase of another ticket.
d
     Locals Thursday Discount Day, 3 May 2018
     Gate price, $50.
     Purchases can be made at the gate on Thursday, 3 May only.
    Open to Louisiana residents with valid ID.
    Only two admissions per resident under these terms.

The Big Chief VIP Experience

·         The most luxurious way to experience Jazz Fest, only a limited number of tickets sold.

·         Daily admission to the festival, unlimited entry/reentry privileges per weekend pass.

·         Access to VIP Viewing Stands:  Big Chief patrons have access to raised and covered private viewing areas with beverage concessions and restrooms at two of the festivals main stages, the Acura and Gentilly Stages. Big Chief patrons also have semi-private viewing access to a viewing area at Congo Square, Blues Tent and Jazz Tent.

·         Access to an air-conditioned VIP Hospitality Lounge: Big Chief patrons may revitalize in a private area with a full service cash bar, complimentary light refreshments and restrooms.

·         VIP Shuttle Tickets: This is a new feature of this experience, during 2015. Patrons of the Big Chief VIP Experience may purchase shuttle tickets to and from the festival. This service delivers patrons inside the festival grounds. The VIP shuttle will pick patrons up and return them to a convenient downtown location each day of the festival.

·         VIP Shuttle Ticket Cost, 1^st Weekend: $125.
      VIP On-Site Parking, 1^st Weekend:   $225.
·         VIP Shuttle Ticket Cost, 2^nd Weekend: $165.
      VIP On-Site Parking 2^nd Weekend: $300.
       VIP Big Chief VIP Experience Costs: 1^st Weekend, 27, 28, 29 April 2018, $1200.

·         VIP Big Chief VIP Experience Costs: 2^nd Weekend, 3, 4, 5, 6, May 2018, $ 1400.

The Grand Marshall VIP Pass

·         The Grand Marshall VIP Pass provides an up front, golden circle environment viewing area at the three of the main viewing festival stages: Acurra, Gentilly and Congo Square Stages. These passes are available in limited number.

·         This pass is designed for individuals that prefer to move about these popular stages in regularity while providing up close and personal viewing of world class performers, on stage.

·         The Grand Marshall VIP Pass also provides for a hospitality tent that enables festival fans to revitalize and lounge in a private area. This tent has refreshments, restrooms, and beverage stands available for convenience.

·         1^st Weekend: 27, 28 and 29 April 2018, $1050. Shuttle Pass $125. On-Site Parking, $225

·         2^nd Weekend: 3, 4, 5, 6, May 2018, $1225. Shuttle Pass $165. On-Site Parking, $300.

·         The Grand Marshall VIP Pass provides for entry and reentry to Jazz Fest, each day of a valid pass ownership.

The Krewe of Jazz Fest VIP Pass

·         The Krewe of Jazz Fest allows fans the opportunity to relax and enjoy all the acts featured at the Accura Stage, the main performance venue. The Krewe of Jazz Fest area features covered high- end folding seats, private restrooms, and a beverage concession area.

·         These passes are limited and they provide for entry and reentry to Jazz Fest each day of a valid pass possession.

·         1^st Weekend: 27, 28, and 29 April 2018, $600. Shuttle Pass $125.
      1^st Weekend: Daily On-Site parking, $225.

·         2^nd Weekend: 3, 4, 5, and 6 May 2018, $700. Shuttle Pass $165.

           2^nd Weekend: Daily On-Site parking, $300.

WWOZ Brass Pass

WWOZ Brass Pass

·         Entry to Jazz Fest each day of the festival: 7 days of festival attendance with unlimited reentry privileges, every day of the festival.

This lovely lady (with the yellow vest) and her crew will greet everyone with a hug and a smile, as you enter the Brass Pass gates. That alone, is worth the price of admission.

Fresh fruit, daily, in the WWOZ Hospitality Tent

The comfort and cordial atmosphere of the WWOZ Hospitality Tent

·         WWOZ Hospitality Tent:

           (1) Unlimited amounts of iced coffee and fresh fruit,

           (2) The cooling and revitalizing shade of the WWOZ Hospitality Tent, augmented by the                          refreshing effect of the misting fans,

           (3) Socialize with musicians and radio hosts of WWOZ 90.7 FM, along with other Guardians                    of The Groove from around the globe,

          (4) WiFi and unlimited computer access,

          (5) Restroom facilities

·                           Cost: 7 days of Jazz Fest, both weekends, $600

Admission Costs For The Major Performers During Jazz Fest 2015 At Other Performing Venues During The Same Season

In order to gain a proper perspective toward the true value of Jazz Fest, it’s important to know the cost associated with entry to these events with performers at other venues. An important point to remember is, the performance costs listed below are one artist for one performance. Jazz Fest offers many artists over seven days for one cost. It’s an excellent exercise in comparison of apples to apples.

For this analysis, we've selected the top 13 performing acts that performed during the 2015 festival. It's simple to understand the variability from that year to this year, through simple regression analysis. We've also selected the dates that range in season with the 2015 Jazz Fest.

1.          Elton John, Price Range $105 - $220 Caesars Palace Oct 13,  2015
2.          Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Price Range $195.95 - $1086 Austin City Limits Live At Moody Theater Apr 23, 2015
3.          The Who, Price Range $41 - $73, American Airlines Arena, Miami Fl April 17,2015
4.          Jimmy Buffet, Price Range $34 - $87, Amway Center,  Orlando Fl , April 16, 2015
5.          No Doubt, Price Range $195 - $213, 2 day pass, MGM Resorts Village, Los Vegas, Nv, 05/08/15
6.          Keith Urban, Price Range  $197 - $206, 3 day pass,  Hunter Mountain Resort, Hunter, NY 06/12/15
7.          PitBull, Price Range $119 - $154, Winstar World Casino, Thackerville, Ok 04/24,15
8.          John Legend, Price Range $194 - $224, 2 day pass, MGM Resorts Village, Los Vegas, NV     05/15/15
9.      Ed Sheeren, Price Range $58-$63, Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Tx, 05/06/15
10.          Lenny Kravitz, Price Range  $100-$111, Webster Hall, New York, NY, 05/05,15
11.          T I, Price Range $25-$95, White River Amphitheater, Auburn Wa, 06/20/2015
12.          Chicago, Price Range $59-$72, Rivinia, Highland Park, Illinois, 08/22/15
13.          Trombone Shorty, Price Range, $54-$84, Saenger Theater, NOLA, 04/25/2015

The authorities for these dates and prices are as follows: www.vividseats.com and www.ticketmaster.com

As you proceed to make your informed decision, consider, the admission costs for the performances at other venues include: one performance by a single artist, on that date. The only exception to the one artist performance is the Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett Show. Bennett and Lady Gaga are touring as a duplicate act this season and they are performing as a dual act during Jazz Fest 2015, also.

Jazz Fest also offers performances by hundreds of other musical artists; local, national, and international performers. This link will direct you toward the schedule of performances for each day of the festival http://lineup.nojazzfest.com/events/2018 A  review of these schedules reveal the true value of the festival as a musical venue, based upon the number of artists available, in addition to the 14 performers detailed in this document.

Little Freddie King performing inside the Blues Tent

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is more than a musical entertainment venue. In addition to a variety of musical acts by hundreds of performers on 5 outdoor stages and 4 musical tents, Jazz Fest is also a heritage festival. http://www.nojazzfest.com/culture/

A large variety of international and local crafts are available, as well. http://www.nojazzfest.com/crafts/

Food vendors at Jazz Fest

The food vendors are famous for a number of appetizing offerings that attract visitors the world-over, specifically, for this annual offering. http://www.nojazzfest.com/food/

Hopefully, you’ll review this information and proceed to make your decision to join the thousands of festival fans that attend Jazz Fest every year. The fans devoted to Jazz Fest understand its value as a one-of-a-kind cultural experience with rewards that last a lifetime.

I look forward to meeting each of you at the fest and you will find me at various times moving about the grounds or relaxing in the comfort of the WWOZ Hospitality Tent, each day of the festival.

Bloody Marys For Breakfast at Liuzza's Bar, Outside the festival grounds.

This is how we do Jazz Fest, It's a family affair. We welcome everyone to enjoy this magical season along with our family.

We Begin the Festival Season in NOLA

With The New Orleans French Quarter Festival 2015

As this winter has produced much in the way of bad attitudes, irritable personalities, and low down feelings of just plain unhappiness…..we’ve much to anticipate, as the Spring Equinox has delivered that special season in a land known for wonderful times and happy people. Springtime in New Orleans, Louisiana, officially begins with “The 32^nd Annual French Quarter Festival.” Although, the calendar may predict the springtime beginning as noon March 20, 2015, those indigenous to our culture recognize it as French Quarter Festival, 2015.

This festival has grown from a locals event into the largest showcase of La. music and food in the world. This venue has created an economic impact in excess of $251 million, for the region. According to the Huffington Post, “it’s the one thing to do in Louisiana.”

 Food Vendors Prepare For the Worlds Largest Jazz Brunch

This season, the festival will host many of New Orleans’ finest restaurants. We simply refer to this venue as, “The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” Additionally, in excess of 1400 local, world-class musical artists provide festivalgoers with an experience that lasts a lifetime.This season, the festival will host many of New Orleans’ finest restaurants. We simply refer to this venue as, “The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” Additionally, in excess of 1400 local, world-class musical artists provide festivalgoers with an experience that lasts a lifetime.

Street Musician and Dancer In Jackson Square

Allen Toussaint Returns After a 17 Year Hiatus

Allen Toussaint is a living legend of world-class notoriety, who last appeared at this venue in 1998.  This New Orleans native was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009, and Blues Hall of Fame in 2011. He’s one of the most influential personalities in NOLA R&B.

Mr. Toussaint is scheduled to perform on the riverfront Abita Stage, on Thursday, 4/9/15 @ 3:45 PM.

French Quarter Festival 2015 Offers The Best Local Music On 23 Stages

Year after year, French Quarter Festival is voted ‘locals’ favorite’ while also attracting a tremendous out-of-town audience. A huge part of the appeal is that attendees get a true and authentic New Orleans experience – a broad range of Louisiana artists and a diverse variety of musical styles and genres. Since 1984, French Quarter Festival has been committed to featuring New Orleans’ finest artists every day of the festival, on stages all over the French Quarter. The tradition grows in 2015, when FQFI unveils two new stages and expands its footprint and musical lineup. The new Spanish Plaza stage sponsored by The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk and Harrah’s New Orleans will take the music across Canal Street with three days of programming. The new Omni Royal Orleans stage located at 500 Royal St. will bring more traditional jazz to the street with performances on Saturday and Sunday. 

Launched in 2014, the GE Capital Big River Stage returns with four days of music. On Thursday, former Dr. John percussionist Big Chief Smiley Ricks and One Nation brings Mardi Gras Indian Funk to the stage, followed by Andrews family trumpeter Travis Hill’s Travis Black and the Heart Attacks . Other Big River Stage artists include: Spirit of New Orleans Brass Band, Lynn Drury Band, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Paul Sanchez, Revealers, Brass-A-Holics, Flow Tribe, and Glen David Andrews.

Popeyes Brass Band Jam will return to the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. Three full days of music bring performances from Audacity Brass Band, New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Leroy Jones’ Original Hurricane Brass Band, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Onward Brass Band, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Red Wolf Brass Band, Treme Brass Band, Magnetic Ear, and many more.

Sean Ardoin-Zydeco Musician Signs Autograph For A Happy Fan

The Chevron Cajun Zydeco Showcase launched in 2013 at the Bienville Triangle (North Peters near St. Louis Street) and has since become one of the Festival’s most popular stages. In 2015, “King of Cajun” Jo-el Sonnier, a four-time Grammy nominee, Travis Matte and the Kingpins – a band that packs Louisiana dance halls with their infectious blend of zydeco, hip hop and rock, and Chris Ardoin make their festival debuts. Other artists include: Jimmy Thibodeaux, Waylon Thibodeaux Band, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Roddy Romero and the Hub City All Stars, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and Amanda Shaw.

Over a Dozen New Acts

Organizers welcome over a dozen new acts to the 2015 French Quarter Festival. The Speakeasy Quartet andNOLA Jitterbugs will turn Jackson Square into a swing-dance party during their high-energy “watch and learn” performance on Thursday, April 9th on the Capitol One Bank Jackson Square Stage. Other debuts include Doug Kershaw (playing with Steve Riley), The Honorable South, Guitar Slim, Jr, The Write Brothers, Los Otras, New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, and many more.

In addition to Festival debuts, French Quarter Festival supports budding artists. It’s where some of the region’s most beloved and famous musicians such as Trombone Shorty, Hunter Hayes, Imagination Movers, and Kermit Ruffins first played to large audiences. Continuing the spirit of promoting new talent, the 2015 event welcomes several young artists: The Doghill Stompers, grandsons of Boozoo Chavis, one of the founding fathers of Zydeco; Jenard Andrews’ (son of trumpeter James Andrews and the cousin of Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews) New Breed Brass Band performs on the Popeyes Brass Band Jam at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint; and Neshia Ruffins, daughter of Kermit Ruffins, makes her festival debut with Neshia Ruffins & the Young Franchise Band, also at the Old U.S. Mint.

The 2015 French Quarter Festival will feature over 1,400 local artists. Festival-organizers remain committed to growing the Musician Sponsorship program; every dollar donated to the fund goes directly to the artists. In 2014, a total of over 250 individuals, foundations, and businesses signed up to support local musicians by ‘adopting an artist.’ Sponsors come from all over the United States – from California to Maryland – and are helping to keep French Quarter Festival free for the community. The Festival is still seeking 2015 sponsorships. Contact Georgia Rhody at (504) 522-5730 or email georgia@fqfi.org for more information.

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Residency
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) will have an unprecedented residency at French Quarter Festival celebrating the opening of their new home, the New Orleans Jazz Market, on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. The residency will consist of four concerts during the 2015 French Quarter Festival. Each performance will feature a completely different music program and guest artists backed up by NOJO under the direction of Irvin Mayfield: Thursday, April 9th Irvin Mayfield and NOJO featuring the music of Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and The Grateful Dead; Friday, April 10th Irvin Mayfield and NOJO featuring the music of Led Zepplin, Nirvana, and Queen; Saturday, April 11th Irvin Mayfield and NOJO perform children’s songs and interact with young audiences; Sunday, April 12th The New Orleans Songbook: Featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Irvin Mayfield, and NOJO.

The Kermit Ruffins Experience presented by Harrelson Trumpets

All aboard for New Orleans’ funkiest raffle! The French Quarter Festival Kermit Ruffins Experience will give one lucky winner the chance to party with Kermit before and during festival. Each year, sponsor Harrelson Trumpets builds and donates a one-of-a-kind Satchmo Trumpet. The 2015 Satchmo Trumpet will be presented to longtime festival friend and artist Kermit Ruffins during his Sunday, April 12th French Quarter Festival set. The raffle winner will have lunch with Kermit, Jason Harrelson (founder, Harrelson Trumpets), and a friend at Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge; ride in a limo to the festival; sit on stage with three friends and complimentary refreshments during Kermit’s set; receive a framed, autographed photo of Kermit, Jason, the Satchmo Trumpet, and themselves on stage at French Quarter Festival; and finally, take home an autographed copy of Kermit’s CD releases, We Partyin’ Traditional Style and #ImSoNewOrleans. Raffle chances are one ticket for $20 and two tickets for $30 and may be purchased online at fqfi.org. All proceeds will benefit the non-profit French Quarter Festivals, Inc.

Opening Night Gala returns to Antoine’s

Thursday April 9th, the French Quarter Festival Opening Night Gala benefiting the Roots of Music will return to Antoine’s Restaurant. Established in 1840, Antoine’s, the country’s oldest family-run restaurant, celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2015. During the Gala, guests will enjoy the original Main Dining Room, the Mardi Gras-themed Rex, Proteus, and 12th Night Revelers rooms, the Mystery Room, 1840 Room, the Last Room (or Tabasco Room) and the Wine Cellar, which holds approximately 25,000 bottles when fully stocked. French Quarter Festival is the only time of the year when Antoine’s allows a non-profit community organization to ‘take over’ – celebrating the opening of French Quarter Festival at this grand Gala event.

Guests will enjoy tastings by Antoine’s and an open bar courtesy of Abita Brewing Company and Brown-Forman/Republic Beverages. The Patron Party takes place from 7-8 pm and Gala from 8-10:30 pm. Entertainment by Guitarist John Rankin and Charmaine Neville. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.fqfi.org or by calling 504-227-3124. Patron tickets are $250 and Gala tickets are $125 ($150 beginning April 1st). This year, a limited number of tables will be available for purchase.

 Special Events, Proframs and Festival Extras

• French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade will take place Thursday, April 9th at 10 a.m., a change from prior years when the parade rolled on Friday. The parade departs from the 100 block of Bourbon St and makes its way to Jackson Square.
• Let them Talk: Conversations about Louisiana Music will return to French Quarter Festival with presentations and performances at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint, 3rd Floor Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday at Festival (April 11 and 12). This series is free and open to the public. Schedule to be announced in March.
• Film Fest at French Quarter Festival presented by Timecode: NOLA will return to Le Petit Theatre and expand to three days. Schedule to be announced in March.
• Dance Lessons, Battle of the Bands, Dancing at Dusk, Rouses World Championship Crawfish Eating Contest, Pirates Alley Juried Art Show, St. Louis Cathedral Spring Concert, Opera at Dusk, and two children’s areas, including Chevron Children’s Headquarters STEAM ZONE are beloved special events that all are part of the 2015 French Quarter Festival.

Creoles of Color of Louisiana

Historical Overview

An original publication of http://lacreole.org/

THE CREOLES OF COLOR OF LOUISIANA

There is evidence that both French and Spanish Colonial Louisiana identified all its people (white, black, and mixed), both free and enslaved, who were born in the new world of old world stock as Creole. That included the offspring of Europeans (predominantly French and Spanish), Africans, and a mixture of both that could also include Native American. Therefore, the descendants of all these people can claim Creole Heritage. LA Creole identifies the gens de couleur, or people of color, as the mixed-race descendants of those early colonial inhabitants of Louisiana who became a unique ethnic group.

The gens de couleur libres, or the free people of color, gained their freedom during the colonial period and the American period prior to the Civil War through manumission, emancipation by father/owner, self purchase, military service, and (as established under Spanish rule) by living as free for at least 20 years. The free people of color rose to economic and limited social prominence denied the enslaved population, while being denied the political and civil rights enjoyed by the white ruling class. Thus, Louisiana developed a unique three-tiered social order—white, slaves, and the free people of color. Caught in the middle, not fully accepted by the other two groups, the free people of color created their own society that gave rise to a distinct, sophisticated culture. They identified themselves as Creole, maintained close family ties creating kinship networks, maintained the French language, placed a high value on education, established and ran their own businesses, rose to prominence in the building trades, and clung tightly to the “faith of their fathers” as members of the Roman Catholic Church. In the rural communities many of the free people of color owned vast tracts of land, including large sugar cane plantations, traveled to New Orleans to conduct commerce, networked with other families through business partnerships and marriages, and created family dynasties to protect their land and wealth.

Some of the gens de couleur libres were educated in France and became literary and musical giants who gained prominence in Europe because they were unable to publish their works in a race-biased America. Others returned to Louisiana becoming professionals, artists, and businessmen.

A large number of the people of color in Louisiana were not freed and remained enslaved until the Civil War and Emancipation. However, they easily assimilated into the culture the free people of color had created. Following the Civil war many of the politically astute Creoles of Color served admirably in Reconstruction government. In the Jim Crow era that followed, they led the way in an organized Civil Rights Movement in Louisiana beginning as early as the 1870s. Politically active Creoles of Color continued the Movement throughout the 20th century, which culminated in its success in the 1960s.

The recent surge of interest in genealogy and family history has brought a closer look at the history and culture of the Creoles of Color of Louisiana. A keen awareness has developed, through research and historical documents, of the many contributions the Creoles of Color have made to the state of Louisiana throughout its history and pride in those accomplishments by their many descendants.

Origininal published by http://lacreole.org/

Jazz Fest and the Spice of New Orleans

Why travel to such a culturally diverse venue such as New Orleans, Louisiana, with the intent of only tasting the main menu? Would the experience be more rewarding if we tasted the spice along with the flavor of the main menu? The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is the main course, however, the people of this beautiful city are the spice that provide its’ flavor.

As we observe the movement of Jazz Fest fans during arrival and departure, a distinct manner of deportment is obvious. As Fest fans travel from Esplanade Ave toward the Sauvage gate entrance and down Gentilly Blvd to the front gate, their movements appear to be scripted. The appearance of scripted movement is likely the result of determined fans, focused upon getting to a destination while ignoring the spice available to enrich their experience.

I appeared the same way to a resident on Fortin Street during Jazz Fest, 2000. I was engaged during my travel toward the Sauvage gate entrance in a manner that has effected my relationship with Jazz Fest and the spice, forever.

Prior to this festival, I’d adapted to parking on St Bernard Ave, nearly a mile away from the Fair Grounds. This was the first day of the festival 2000 and the sun was blistering hot. I was still 200 meters from the entrance and my desire for a thirst quenching beverage and an opportunity to take a break were of a higher priority. At that very moment, I heard, “Ice cold water $1, Ice cold beer $2.”  I bought two cans of beer and sat on the steps as I drank both cans, faster that I should have.

Ice Cold Water $1, Ice Cold Beer $2

As I handed the lady sitting on the porch the money for the beer, I noticed the most gracious lady with the warmest smile I’d ever met in all my years of attendance. She was the family matriarch, Ms Mary. She was concerned with the appearance of aggravation and disgust upon my face. She also stated, “Baby this is Jazz Fest, nobody comes here looking that way.”

I’ll admit, Jazz Fest isn’t the proper venue for sad feeling. I was particularly disturbed with the fact of my having walked nearly a mile to get to the gate. I’d been parking that distance from the festival for 5 years prior and I was becoming disappointed with having to do so. As I explained my angst, Ms Mary politely stated, “Baby you can park here anytime you want to and I’d be happy for you to do that, if only that would put a smile on your face.”  I’ve been parking on Fortin St with Ms Mary and her family since Jazz Fest 2000.

As I continue to attend Jazz Fest over the years, parking is the ignitor that sparked a social scene for many visitors of the fest. Following the final act of each day, visitors from far and near gather on Ms Marys’ porch and in her yard for fun and revelry. In addition to parking, there’s much food and drink for all that are patrons of her parking venue.

Parking At Ms Marys’ House

I’ve always considered Jazz Fest my premier event in NOLA. As a result, I’m in attendance everyday. It’s also during the Jazz Fest season that I celebrate my birthday. During the second weekend of Jazz Fest, 2000, I was surprised with a birthday celebration by Ms Mary and her family. I will always remember the warmth and generosity of this beautiful family.

During the years following the 2000 Jazz Fest season many of my friends and family have journeyed to NOLA to celebrate the fest. They’ve all met Ms Mary and her family and look forward to seeing her and her family, each year. It’s this type of graciousness and expression of love that give Jazz Fest the spice it deserves to perpetuate itself for all time.

Leaving Ms Marys’ Going To The Fest

Ms Mary and her family are unique, as they truly represent the spirit of what this city would love to promote to the world. There are many families such as Ms Marys’ that line the perimeter of the fairgrounds. They provide a basic service for folks that travel from local, national and international destinations in support of Jazz Fest. Those services include something as simple as parking and providing a refreshing drink for exhausted patrons of Jazz Fest. Although it’s a simple gesture, the interaction among Jazz Fest patrons and the people of this city are what can potentially negate the evil that’s becoming fodder for the news agencies

 

Ms Marys’ Family

Wouldn’t it be more interesting to read of the great relationships that are formed with visitors to Jazz Fest and the spice of this city?  Wouldn’t it be more interesting to know those relationships endure, because, people take the opportunity to engage each other in terms of kindness and love? It only takes a moment to visit and simply say hello, at times, to those families that may never have the opportunity to experience the Accura Stage, Gentilly Stage, Congo Square, Zydeco Stage, Jazz Tent, Blues Tent, Gospel Tent or other venues inside the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Ms Mary Relaxing With Friends At Days End

The spice of New Orleans is its people. They’re all along the routes we travel enroute to the festival. They’re waving signs asking us to park in their yards. They’re offering ice cold water and beer as we move toward the fairgrounds. Many also have cookouts at the end of the festival and I know they love to share. It’s a greater option we have to engage the spice and talk to them on all occasions. Please don’t walk as though they’re simply additions to the infrastructure. NOLA folks are among the friendliest of the planet. They love to share their knowledge of this city with folks that aren’t indigenous to it. There’s more to this city than the commercial venues that have become its signature.

Jazz Fest is a combination of the activity at the fairgrounds and its people. If you truly enjoy the spice of life come to NOLA and engage its people.