New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Do you ever think to yourself, "how stupid was I for (insert stupid thing here)"? I have a few times in my life. So I'm here to tell you why and also hopefully help you from making some mistakes that I've made myself.

If you grew up in Louisiana like I did I'm betting there are several cultural things that you just didn't appreciate until you got older. Mardi Gras, knowing how to pronounce Tchoupitoulas, the beauty and equal disgust of the French Quarter. Jazz Fest is fun, no doubt, but it's always hot. Always crowded. Always got some crazy ass mofos walking around.

I've been before to Jazz Fest but only for headliners. Dave Matthews Band and Lenny Kravitz? I was all about that. Here's how that went...couldn't see in sea of thousands of people who didn't smell very good. I never was interested in seeing our local talents until now. I know, I know.

This year I was fortunate enough to go and hopped from tent to tent with zero concern of any big names. I just went with it and relaxed. I'm even more surprised with my favorite tent. When I arrived in the gospel tent this very talented woman (Kim Che're) was bringing down the house. Everyone and I mean everyone was loving it. Gospel music! Who'd have thought that would have blown me way but it did.

I suggest bringing a blanket, wearing a hat, comfortable shoes and sunscreen.

Also. Bring cash for the pheasant, quail and andouille gumbo. Yum!

New Orleans, I love you. J'adore vous. And I love your yearly jazz and heritage festival which is the best music festival in the world! The music acts are diverse. The well planned music line-up schedule offers something for everyone to enjoy from gospel, blues, jazz, mariachi, latin, and local Cajun artists. My personal favorites were the Fais Do Do (Cajun dance party) and jazz stages. Here are some of the great musical acts we heard:
-Bonnie Raitt
-Tower of Power
-Kinfolk Brass Band
-Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
-Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers
-Beausoleil
-Earth, Wind & Fire
-Mariachi Jalisco
-Terrance Simien
-Grupo Niche (from Columbia)

I will return next year!!

Whether it the selection of artists, transportation to and from festival or the services from all those working
You all rock
A HUGE SHOUT OUT for those that organised the ADA services!! they do things right in the south. We came from WA state for this and will be back and sharing some of the services you have with those at the Portland blues Fest we attend annually!!
watch those never had to deal with ADA issues :
* to far to walk from gate entry to ADA services?
*watch fully able ones pop in and out of the only ADA potty as we wait?
* have them stand in front and can't see?
* find a place for your loved one to enjoy music and they either can't see or have to leave them for a place to sit?
* a place for them to have table space to eat ?
All this and more
They have solutions for all these typical challenges
Thank You Thank You Thank You
We will be back

Music and food were wonderful. First week only as I've scaled it back from years past (30 years on and off). No rain which was a first ever. Crawfish monica and crab sandwich were highlights but too many to mention. I've learned over the years to eat light before and after the fest and just enjoy the delicious food at the festival. It's cards only which doesn't work always but it's fine. Great time!!!

Long hot days - most of the time. What makes this festival better than the others- they let you bring in chairs and coolers with water and snacks. Which is great especially if on a budget or have dietary restrictions. If they can do this I don't understand why the other music festivals don't do the same- how much more enjoyable would they be?

So well organized. So big and diverse. So culturally ambitious and relevant. From the venue, the food the artisans, the various stages, and booming music at each that really don't interfere with other stages! The app was all you needed to decide where to go, what to eat,
The staff was helpful friendly and happy. The app was perfect way to navigate. (Although #1 some said if they connected each musician to streaming service to sample their music it could have helped) But honestly it's about the experience. To see and hear artists that are not main stream. To see the legendary elder statesmen of the genre Perform live. Mind blown!

Must must must go! Already booked for next year. This is an amazing event for music lovers!!

This was our first year attending (although not first year had tickets, thanks pandemic) and we loved it.

Sure there are the big names. This year that included Lionel Richie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, & The Who (it was suppose to include the Foo Fighters but after the loss of their drummer the Chili Peppers stepped in). But as awesome as the big shows are there are lots of stages with different artists as well as other performances. We enjoyed the gospel tent, some older artists, and some Native American performances.

They had water refill stations (although the lines could get long) and various vendors with many food & beverage options. There were lots of products for sale, I got a shirt & hat and we also bought a waterproof area blanket that zipped up that I expect we will use at numerous shows in the future.

We are already talking about attending again.

Avoid the express bus. The lines themselves can take over an hour each way. They are so long. They've literally go twice around the block downtown. It's worth taking an Uber or Lyft

Jazz Fest is truly heaven. It is everything I love about New Orleans in one place for 7 days. The music, the food, the atmosphere, the vibes: all so amazing. This is truly a bucket list experience in New Orleans.

My wife and I have attended the last 6 Jazz Fest and used the Gray Line shuttle from the Sheraton Hotel to the Fairground each time. The experience we had yesterday, 4/28/23, going to & leaving the Fest was by far the absolute worse experience ever.

After fighting through their online system to purchase the tickets, $48, as required. We decided to start out a lil later since we was interested in seeing a later performance by the Wu-Tang Clan.

We walked from the Harrah's down to the Sheraton and couldn't believe our eyes. The line for the shuttle was all the way down Canal St, all the way down the next street, then half-way down the next block.

After talking with other folks waiting in line, the gentlemen stated that he'd been in line for close to an hour, in the sun, with no shade.

I'm a patient person, so we decided to get in line. After waiting in line for about 15 mins, in the direct sunlight, much to our chagrin, dispite having shuttle tickets in our hands, we decided to take an Uber to the Fest to forego the inevitable hour plus wait.

Got to the Fest, had a great time, it's time to go back to our hotel. Nightmare part 2 begins... the disorganized, under-staffed employees tried their best, but with the lack of avaliable shuttles, we literally stood in line for over an hour & fifteen minutes... I timed it.

I was just grateful that I used the restroom before getting in line. At 57 years old, I'm quite capable of standing & waiting, but I'd rather not. There were a elderly folks line & I felt horrible for them. It was like being tortured.

Gray Lines Shuttles should be ashamed of the extremely poor service that they provided for $24 per person. Gray Lines performance was as if they didn't know that folks would be leaving & requiring a shuttle home. They knew how many tickets they sold, they should've been better prepared

Disappointed is an understatement, we'll never use this service again. I wish I could demand a refund for my wasted time & frustration. Do better Gray Lines, you put a blemish on our Jazz Fest experience this year.