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New Orleans Jazz Fest

Since 1970, the New Orleans Jazz Fest has been celebrating the rich musical tradition and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Last year, hurricane Katrina drowned the city and left its dwellers scarred with frightening memories.

However, barely eight months after the devastation, the city began to recuperate through the New Orleans Jazz Fest. An excited throng of about 250,000 fans and a host of funky sounds ushered the New Orleans Jazz and heritage Festival.

The city is again poised for its second miracle in the form of the second jazz Fest after Katrina. Producer Quint Davis has brought together an incomparable retinue of performers, including Norah Jones, Van Morrison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brad Paisely and Ludacris. Some of the greatest hometown heroes are speculated to perform this year in the New Orleans Jazz Fest. These performers include Dr. John and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and Terence Blanchard.

This year’s New Orleans Jazz Fest is going to be performed between April 27-29 and May 4-6. Some big names performing during the May 4-6 festivities include John Mayer, Steely Dan, George Benson, Joss Stone, and John Legend.

The fact that New Orleans is poised to celebrate the New Orleans fest barely two years after the catastrophic Katrina, speaks volumes about the city’s undying spirit and vitality. Although regional performers such as Cowboy Mouth and Rebirth Brass Band will dominate this year’s New Orleans Jazz Fest, Davis has invited a host of outsiders to add to the attraction.

The catastrophe of Katrina had caused a lot of clubs and hotels where jazz musicians performed to shut down, yet the city has learnt to bounce back with more jazz live venues that any other city in the United States. The year 2006 was a mild affair dominated by regionals; while outsiders stayed away. However, this year New Orleans Jazz Fest promises to fetch larger crowds as the tourism infrastructure begins to rebuild itself.