The 54th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was a four-day musical extravaganza like no other, with over 70 performances daily across stages and tents nestled in the heart of Gentilly, inside the historic Fair Grounds Race Course. Thousands of patrons eagerly lined up each morning, ready to dive into a day of soulful music, mouthwatering cuisine, and rich cultural exchange.
Known globally as a music and foodie mecca, New Orleans did not disappoint. Attendees sampled everything from spicy gumbo, po’boys, vegan soul food, refreshing lemonades and iced teas, to sweet potato pies, oysters, wings, and the city’s legendary pork and chicken cracklins.
The heralded Congo Square Marketplace stood as a proud cultural beacon—showcasing handmade jewelry, artwork, and straw baskets, all celebrating the African Diaspora’s deep influence on the festival’s spirit.
We stayed within five blocks of the venue, making it easy to stroll through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, chat with locals, take in cultural landmarks, and catch live street performances. As we entered the festival each day, the aroma of sizzling food mingled with the irresistible pull of jazz, funk, soul, and blues beats calling you to dance.
The musical lineup was a dream. Inside the Economy Hall Tent, The Paulin Brothers Brass Band set the tone. Detroit Brooks honored Danny and Blue Lu Barker, joined by the legendary Dee Dee Bridgewater. The WWOZ Jazz Tent was electric, with the Groovemasters—Herlin Riley, Shannon Powell, Jason Marsalis, and Weedie Braimah—delivering an unforgettable set.
Stanley Clarke brought his signature bass brilliance, and the crowd lit up for jazz vocalists like John Boutté, Diana Krall, and the vibrant Adonis Rose with his Tribute to Frankie Beverly and Maze—”Joy & Pain, like sunshine & rain” never sounded better.
Branford Marsalis dazzled on every instrument he touched. Taj Mahal charmed the blues crowd in his colorful jacket. Other major names included Big Freedia, Babyface, Davell Crawford (paying tribute to Roberta Flack), Burna Boy, Harry Connick Jr., Gladys Knight, and hometown hero Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter), whose appearance brought the crowd to a roar.
The festival ran daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but the nights belonged to Frenchmen Street, where locals and travelers packed intimate venues to catch impromptu jam sessions and soak in the city’s legendary after-hours vibe.
Coinciding with International Jazz Week, the celebration extended beyond the Fairgrounds to city-wide venues, featuring performances by local schools, colleges, and international artists—all celebrating jazz’s global roots and enduring legacy.
Bottom line: Go see for yourself!
The 57th NOLA Jazz Festival is already in full swing with its second weekend happening May 1–4. Book that flight—this is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of music, flavor, and soul that you don’t want to miss!
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