There are two very special weekends in spring that will always have significance for me. This year I was lucky enough to be able to go to the first weekend of The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival-known as simply Jazz Fest- to the regulars. A music festival like no other. It brings together the best local musicians, along with nationally known groups and visitors from all over the world, but there's a really relaxed feeling that takes over the whole city. This year was a record breaking year and although very difficult to find a parking spot when heading out to the Fairgrounds somehow, it still feels very intimate. Perhaps it's because there are so many familiar faces- family and friends. I feel completely content knowing that I can't really plan what to do, or who I want to see next, because you never know who you'll run into, what delicious smelling food might distract you, or what artist might draw you in-providing a detour.
The stage names have changed some taking on new corporate names and others more of a tribute to the neighborhood. The food vendors have grown but the standard dishes such as crawfish pie, cochon de lait and mango freezes are still there. The festival has always been, for me, one of those occasions where people, performances (both planned and spontaneous) come together and the energy is so authentic and comfortable that you just don't want to day to end...
