Music Lovers at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

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New Orleans never needs an excuse to celebrate. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, there is some sort of festival to attend. While the Mardi Gras festivities are no doubt the city's most popular, there are a wealth of other events where you can revel in the city's treasures, including its art, culture, food and, of course, music.

If it's not enough for you to feel the city's rhythms in a juke joint or on the street, there are plenty of parties where you can experience melodious expressions of joy, pain, history and soul. Every year, hundreds of thousands of devoted attendees pack the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Track to witness the Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest). Up to 80 performers grace the numerous stages at the festival each day, with artists filtering into New Orleans' musical venues and clubs at night. The festival not only features top-bill musicians such as the Neville Brothers and Dave Matthews, but also local favorites such as Dr. John. The festival covers a full spectrum of musical genres including African, Cajun, zydeco, gospel, jazz and blues. Jazz Fest usually runs over two weekends in the last part of April and the beginning of May.

Other popular musical festivals include the Essence Music Festival, a celebration of African-American culture held during the July 4 holiday. In April, Louisiana's largest free music event commences as the French Quarter Festival delights attendees with funk, jazz, zydeco, funk and blues as well as a smorgasbord of food and crafts. The award-winning Satchmo SummerFest celebrates New Orleans' legendary native son, Louis Armstrong, and includes music, educational lectures and tours (held in August). The Voodoo Music Experience, held in October, is fast becoming a must-do event among alternative music circles. Past performers have included The White Stripes, Green Day, Eminem, the Roots and Gov't Mule.

While music tends to play a part in every celebration New Orleans has to offer, many festivals' center stage focuses on arts and culture. The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival occurs in March and includes discussions not only on Williams' works, but other native authors and Southern literary topics. While the seminars are the core of the festival, plays of the writer's work are staged around town, tours of his hangouts are given, and the infamous Stanley and Stella screaming contest takes place in Jackson Square.

The New Orleans Film & Video Festival, held in October, showcases a number of local, national and international independent films at venues throughout the city. The Fresh Art Festival, also held in October, has been recognized as one of the top art festivals in the country. White Linen Night is a fun way to enjoy New Orleans' burgeoning Warehouse District gallery scene. Many participants don white linen clothing, perfect for those warm New Orleans summer nights, and roam through dozens of the district's galleries while munching on tasty local dishes and listening to local music. The International Arts Festival, held in June, celebrates international cultures through arts and entertainment. Pairing great wines of the world with New Orleans' distinct local cuisine is the mission of the Wine & Food Experience, taking place each May.

And of course, a holiday could never go by unobserved! You'll find plenty of tricks and treats in town during Halloween, and of course, plenty of Irish-style revelry on St. Patrick's Day? However, the holiday celebration that you can't miss is Christmas New Orleans Style. The month-long celebration includes nightly concerts featuring gospel choirs and popular musicians at the breathtaking St. Louis Cathedral, tours of grandiose homes trimmed in seasonal decorations, culinary demonstrations and more. Restaurants serve Reveillon, a traditional Creole Christmas feast. Hannukah and Kwanzaa celebrations are also a large part of the festivities.

This material may be reproduced for editorial purposes of promoting New Orleans. Please attribute stories to New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. Fall 2004.