NEW ORLEANS - This year's Jazz Festival meant everything to New Orleans. Music is the heart and soul of the city, and officials were counting on music lovers from all over the world to help bring back the spirit that separates “N'Awlins" from any other place on earth.
The two-weekend event, which took place April 28-30 and May 5-7, was a resounding success, featuring big acts like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Herbie Hancock and Elvis Costello - musicians who love the city and wanted to bring people back to it. It is heartbreaking to report, however, that the city is still in shambles. Recovery is happening at a snail's pace. For many tourists, Jazz Fest was a chance to witness firsthand the devastation wrought when the levees failed. For those who didn't attend, I want to describe the two sides of New Orleans I saw during the festival.
Big names, big hearts and big homecoming
Jazz Fest organizers pulled a lot of big national names this year, and it worked. The festival saw big crowds each day. But I think everyone who loves Jazz Fest really attends to hear all the great local musicians. Some of the finest musicians in the world get so comfortable playing in New Orleans, the rest of the world hardly ever gets to see them perform.
Ninety percent of the bands at the festival are from Louisiana: Pete Fountain, The Meters, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Deacon John, Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ellis Marsalis, Astral Project, Eddie Bo, CJ Chenier and Henry Butler to name a few. These acts draw huge crowds when they play - and if you haven't heard of them, I suggest you Google their names.
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The two-weekend event, which took place April 28-30 and May 5-7, was a resounding success, featuring big acts like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Herbie Hancock and Elvis Costello - musicians who love the city and wanted to bring people back to it. It is heartbreaking to report, however, that the city is still in shambles. Recovery is happening at a snail's pace. For many tourists, Jazz Fest was a chance to witness firsthand the devastation wrought when the levees failed. For those who didn't attend, I want to describe the two sides of New Orleans I saw during the festival.
Big names, big hearts and big homecoming
Jazz Fest organizers pulled a lot of big national names this year, and it worked. The festival saw big crowds each day. But I think everyone who loves Jazz Fest really attends to hear all the great local musicians. Some of the finest musicians in the world get so comfortable playing in New Orleans, the rest of the world hardly ever gets to see them perform.
Ninety percent of the bands at the festival are from Louisiana: Pete Fountain, The Meters, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Deacon John, Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ellis Marsalis, Astral Project, Eddie Bo, CJ Chenier and Henry Butler to name a few. These acts draw huge crowds when they play - and if you haven't heard of them, I suggest you Google their names.
Continue...
For more information contact All About Jazz.
