You’d get an argument from an annual average of 350,000 brightly clad fest goers that this one is the cream of the festival crop. A bold statement, but once you’ve been, it’s tough to contradict. What’s so special about Jazz Fest? Depending on who you talk to, it’s a tie between the music and the food, followed by, in no particular order, the people watching, the after fest shows around town, and did we mention the food? Held on the oval of the Fairgrounds Race Course, a horse track that can be quite pungent when muddied, Jazzfest, happening this year April 29-May 8, is an annual tradition for a legion of locals and fans from all over the world. A treasured chance to meet up with far flung pals, Fest connects local regulars hailing from all over the world with school chums, relocated siblings and music fans drawn together for love of roots and blues, Zydeco and gospel and cochon de lait po’boys. The juried food concessions all have their ardent supporters – some line up first for a fried soft shell crab po’boys, others queue for stuffed artichokes, crawfish Monica and bread pudding. A choice of 12 stages host huge names – this year’s fest include sets by John Legend and The Roots; Robert Plant & Band of Joy, Jimmy Buffett and Jersey boy Bon Jovi, along with stellar New Orleans-based talent, like trumpet player Kermit Ruffins (you’ve seen him on Treme) and roots rock guitarist Anders Osborne. Despite the thrumming crowds and weather than can range from gorgeous to blistering and torrential, the vibe is pure love fest. Smart fest-goers head for the Marriott, a one-stop Festival central that delivers a great location, and help with ticket and transport packages that make it easy to sit back and really enjoy the show.
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