Jazz & Heritage Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Jazz & Heritage Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana

This festival has both cultural and historic significane to the the area and world.  A melding of the great jazz music with the greatest of the jazz musical talents make this an exeptional outing that you will want to attend year after year.

The Festival has always blended in a wide mix of internationally renowned guests, among them: Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Santana, Sarah Vaughan, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, Max Roach, B.B. King, Dave Matthews Band, Patti LaBelle, Tito Puente, the Allman Brothers Band, Joni Mitchell, Al Green, Linda Ronstadt, Lenny Kravitz, Sonny Rollins, Bonnie Raitt, James Brown, Celia Cruz, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hugh Masekela, Cassandra Wilson, Willie Nelson, The Temptations, Burning Spear,Van Morrison, LL Cool J, Abbey Lincoln, Erykah Badu, Dave Brubeck, Gladys Knight, Youssou N’Dour and many, many others.

This is a 10 day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year. There are craft booths, food stands, music and has multiple stages.  It is held at the Fair Grounds Race Track which is just minutes from the French Quarter.

The Festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, so the music encompasses every style associated with the city and the state: blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between. And of course there is lots of jazz, both contemporary and traditional.

When you go to the festival you will want to dress in cool clothing since much of the festival is in the hot sun.  There are places where you can get out of the sun, but for the most part, dress wisely.  Wear a big hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable shoes since you will probably be doing a lot of walking.

Tickets for the festival are available at Ticketmaster.

The celebration is usually held the first part of April.  The hours are from 11AM to 7 PM.