How to Learn about the New Orleans Jazz Fest

The New Orleans Jazz Fest is a celebration of Louisiana heritage. It’s no surprise then that the Jazz Fest itself has a storied history. Learning about the history of the Jazz Fest can help you get more out of your time at the Fair Grounds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Interest

1. 

   Learn about the origins. The first festival was in 1970, including gospel great Mahalia Jackson and jazz legend Duke Ellington. Also at the first fest were Fats Domino, Clifton Chenier, The Meters, and more. Amazingly, only 350 people were at that festival. Over 600,000 people now attend both weekends.

2. 

   Learn about the people who have played the Fest: Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Max Roach, Joni Mitchell, The Temptations, Dave Brubeck, LL Cool J, and more. Also New Orleans staples: Winton Marsalis, Buckwheat Zydeco, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Neville Brothers, the list goes on.

3. 

   Check out Jazz Fest posters. These are a major Jazz Fest tradition and older original posters can go for a lot of money at auction. Prints and originals are available at the Jazz Fest. Check out www.artfornow.com to see the value of old posters.

4. 

   Check out the Grandstand for exhibits about New Orleans and Jazz Fest heritage.

5. 

   Go to www.nojazzfest.com for the entire history of the Jazz Fest.

Tips & Warnings

• Look into New Orleans history at www.Nola.com. New Orleans is not just home to the Jazz Fest, it's the birthplace of jazz itself. The Jazz Fest has been called America’s best music festival.

[xdragoox]

on 3/12/2007 Thanks for the info!