Jazz Fest 2009: The Rocks of Harmony

The Rocks of Harmony are an original New Orleans gospel group that has been rocking for Christ for over 50 years. The Gospel Tent has always been a popular place for inspirational music. I've attended many times and observed individuals that spend their entire time in the gospel. It's amazing that many of the folks that attend this venue for the first time become fans of inspirational music without that as a primary motivator. They are taken by the spirit and many have a life changing experience in this venue.

Jazz Fest 2009: J. D. Hill

This harmonica playing blues master was a tremendous hit in the Blues Tent on Saturday 5/2/2009. He was the first act of the day at that venue. The tent was packed and the crowd cheered loudly to the end. I was amazed at the number of Blues artist that are organic to this city. This brother started with a group called the Jammers in uptown New Orleans. They performed at a club on Valence Street by the name of Benny's. Valence Street is the neighborhood that spawned The Nevilles.

Jazz Fest 2009: Glenn David Andrews

This brother lit up the Gospel Tent on Friday afternoon, 5/01/2009. He is another member of New Orleans very talented musical families. He is Glenn David Andrews. He is a cousin of Troy and James Andrews. Troy can be seen in these images playing the trumpet. He is dressed in the red T-shirt. Glen features gospel music. He recorded Walking Through Heavens Gate at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in New Orleans.

Jazz Fest 2009: Santilla In The Gardens On Esplanade

Jazz Fest 2009: Food Vendors

Central to the location of the main festival grounds are located several food vending areas. This particular area is located directly south of the Folk Area of the festival. As the festival has grown over the past 40 years, this is one of the original food vending areas. There are three separate food vending areas in the center of the grounds.

Jazz Fest 2009: Photo's Before Entry To Folk Area

Jazz Fest does a wonderful job of preserving the memory of past performers of the festival. As you walk along the sidewalk away from the Gentilly Stage toward the Folk Area of Jazz Fest, there are large photos of The Olympia Brass Band and Danny Barker. This is a wonderful way of keeping the memory of previous entertainers alive, particularly for individuals that are interested in the historical significance of the festival.

Jazz Fest 2009: Crowds of The Blues Tent

These images represent the crowds that are forming in anticipation of the performance by Washboard Chaz. The crowds are beginning to form and the tent will be filled to capacity within ten minutes of the appearance of Washboard Chaz.

Jazz Fest 2009: Washboard Chaz

Chaz Leary is this performers name. He has a unique musical instrument that features a rubbing board and tin cans. I'd never experienced his performance before. He is very good and this is a unique form of music that he has mastered. He performs regularly with The Tin Men and the New Orleans Jazz Vipers. There is a neighborhood festival located in the Bywater District of New Orleans. The festival is scheduled on Monday and Tuesday between the festival weekends. It is a wonderful diversion for festival fans that spend a week in the city with nothing to occupy their time on those days. This is a wonderful addition to a music packed week in New Orleans. The festival is named Chaz Fest in honor of the beloved Chaz Leary.

Jazz Fest 2009: Food and Crafts Area

The area between the Gospel and Blues tents is becoming populated with an extension of the crafts and food vending. The advantage for followers of these venues is the close proximity to these venues as opposed to traveling across the track for the same. This is a wonderful addition and very much appreciated. The main advantage to this area is the hard stand. There is no need to walk on grass and sand. There are clean restrooms available, in addition to a covered food consumption area.

Jazz Fest 2009: Pop Motsisi

As one of Jazz Fest's most loyal followers, I'm always inviting my friends to visit New Orleans. My favorite line to use during the invitation is,"Don't come during Mardi Gras, Please visit during Jazz Fest". I've invited friends from throughout the US and they have come and enjoyed the festival. This year, I invited my friend from Johannesburg, South Africa. His name is Pop Motsisi. He only had one day to visit as he had other business in the states to attend. This was his sample visit and his plans are to return next year for the duration of the festival. He is a strong fan of Jazz and he was very satisfied with his visit on Thursday, April 30. Everyone I've invited to this festival have all concluded that this is the best of it's kind on the planet. This is a wonderful affair and this could be the solution to the answer for all individuals that are interested in peace as a goal for mankind.