Jazz Fest 2009: Riza and Her Crew At Jazz Fest

Riza is a very good friend of mine. I have known her for many years. We first became friends through our work with the dive program of the Aquarium of the Americas. Later she joined the Fin Test team of Scuba Diving Magazine. She has since moved to Southern California. She returns to New Orleans to visit her many friends and she has New Orleans in her heart always. She is a very nice friend and it is always a pleasure to see her in New Orleans. It is always a special time at Jazz Fest. She also has a large crew and they enjoy Jazz Fest with the same flair as she does.

Jazz Fest 2009: John Cleary and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen

We were to far to get an actual shot of the performance. This image of John Cleary is from the screen for general viewing. This is a large venue and a very popular artist filled this area, as he always does.

Jazz Fest 2009: John Cleary and Crowds At The Gentilly Stage

John Cleary is a very popular keyboard player and his popularity is evident with these crowds. This is a very large stage area and it was filled from front to rear for this performance.

Jazz Fest 2009: Santilla At The Gentilly Stage

We were at the Gentilly Stage after the Dr John interview. It was conveniently located close to this stage area. John Cleary was the performer during for this venue and his music is always special. John Cleary is a British keyboard player that has been in the city for a number of years. He travels the world and is Bonnie Rait's favorite keyboard player. He works always and when he is in New Orleans, his new hometown, we make all efforts to attend his performances. Jazz Fest is a special time and we are very fortunate to have his music, as well.

Jazz Fest 2009: Dr John's Interview

Dr John is another of the great New Orleans piano players. He is such an interesting individual. He is interviewed by Ben Sandmel on the Allison Miner stage located in the grandstand area of the fairgrounds racetrack. We were treated to some of his great musical talent during this interview. Additionally, it is such a pleasure listening to him speak of the history of music in this city. His ability to verbalize has a manner that is unique to itself. I know many folks in this town that would pay as much to hear his wisdom and manners of expression as to hear his music. His speech patterns and phrases are as valuable as his music. He is a New Orleans legend that will always live in the hearts and minds of all that have ever met him.

Jazz Fest 2009: The Whispers In Congo Square

The Whispers are a famous R&B group that were popular in the late 1970's. Their sound was very pure and smooth in quality. Their performance is still as crisp as it was over 30 years ago. It's such a testament to the talent of really great musical artists when they can replicate the quality of their work many years later.

Jazz Fest 2009: Congo Square

Fans awaiting the performance of The Whispers.

Jazz Fest 2009: Congo Square

Congo Square is a popular stage area at Jazz Fest. Some fans locate themselves at this stage venue and never move. It's just a nice place to share with friends no matter what entertainer is scheduled to appear. It's a good idea to have a chair and umbrella as the sun is vicious in this area. There is no overhead cover.

Jazz Fest 2009: ATM Lines

Capital One Bank is a major supporter of Jazz Fest. As a convenience to the fans, there are a generous amount of ATM vending facilities located on the grounds. This particular cash vendor is located in Congo Square, west of the stage, next to the track.

Jazz Fest 2009: Food Vending Areas

This area is central to the fairgrounds facility. The food venues are a favorite of many fans of Jazz Fest. Many of our local dishes are served at the festival. Most fans of Jazz Fest have a favorite dish that must be enjoyed on each visit to the festival.

Jazz Fest 2009: Eating Picnic Style

Although, the fairgrounds now come with festival food tents for consumption of edible items, it is still OK to sit on the ground and do it picnic style. Perfectly alright.

Jazz Fest 2009: Food Tent

This is a new addition to Jazz Fest. It is truly a welcome convenience. Prior to the erection of this facility, festival fans ate in the stand-up or sit-down on the ground mode. This area is located central of the festival grounds and it is always very busy here.

Jazz Fest 2009: Santilla In The Gardens On Esplanade

This is an interesting shot of Santilla. She was not prepared for the camera, however, I still think it is an interesting moment.

Jazz Fest 2009: Beer Tent Traffic

The beer tents are always crowded. These ladies seem to have found what they were seeking.

Jazz Fest 2009: More Beautiful People

Jazz Fest 2009: The Beautiful People of Jazz Fest

Folks are always happy at Jazz Fest.

Jazz Fest 2009: Crowd Movement Before Entry To Gospel Tent

This is a very popular venue at Jazz Fest. Particularly because of the wonderful sounds that emanate from this tent. This area was previously occupied by the WWOZ Jazz Tent. The Gospel Tent was moved to this location recently. It is also the first venue of attraction as the crowds enter from the Sauvage Street gate.

Jazz Fest 2009: Crowds Moving Into Festival Grounds

Early crowd movement from the Sauvage Street gate to the festival grounds.

Jazz Fest 2009: Interview - Allen Toussaint

A very large part of the attraction to Jazz Fest includes the opportunity to listen close up and personal to the interviews that are conducted on The Allison Minor Music Heritage Stage. Ben Sandmel is interviewing Allen Toussaint today. Mr. Toussaint is one of this city's most influential musical artists. His accomplishments range from performer, producer, writer, songwriter, teacher, promoter and nearly all facets of the music industry possible. He is a legend in this town as he is also world renowned. His students alone have fulfilled his dreams of success as he states many times over. There is no musical artist from this city that comes to mind that has not been under the influence of Mr. Toussaint.

Jazz Fest 2009: The Voices of Distinction

These five ladies are all of the same family. They evacuated after Katrina to Baton Rouge, however,their spirit remains vital and powerful. They are regulars at Jazz Fest and their message is very strong. Images of Santilla and the crowd rocking to the sounds of the Voices of Distinction is very indicative of the message in their music.