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New Orleans is recognized as the birthplace of jazz, a unique American music form. However, jazz is only one of the many musical styles that has New Orleans roots. Now in its 53rd year, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrates the Crescent City’s multifaceted imprint on American music.
Just like last year’s Jazz Festival 2022, the 2023 Jazz Fest will bring Louisiana’s music to life alongside mouthwatering local food and dazzling art markets. This expansive festival invites visitors to enjoy a sweeping cultural panorama across two weekends and more than a dozen stages.
The first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival took place in 1970. George Wein, the festival’s original producer, envisioned the festival as a “Louisiana Heritage Fair” that would celebrate regional music alongside the food, crafts and lifestyles that make Louisiana special. In the decades since Wein’s first production, the festival’s popularity has exponentially grown in both ambition and popularity. While the first Jazz Fest took place in Congo Square, the festival has been staged at the Fair Grounds Race Course since 1972. Today, hundreds of thousands of people come from near and far to attend Jazz Fest each year!
Music
As usual, the Jazz Festival 2023 headliners represent a diverse cast of music industry heavyweights. New Orleans natives like Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste will perform on the same schedule as national stars like Lizzo and Ed Sheeran. Established legends like Herbie Hancock, Dead & Company and Santana share program space with popular younger acts like H.E.R. and The Lumineers.
While name-brand headliners provide the 2023 Jazz Fest lineup’s star power, New Orleans and Louisiana acts always dominate the many smaller stages. Festival goers can expect to find the Bayou State’s best musicians performing jazz, gospel, blues, R&B, Zydeco, Latin, country, and more. All of these genres have been influenced by Louisiana’s cultural melting pot.
Shaded smaller stages like the Gospel Tent and the Blues Tent are also great opportunities to cool off. These stages provide seats so you can take a break while enjoying intimate performances by Louisiana’s finest. As you walk over from the larger stages, you might also encounter a procession of Mardi Gras Indians!
Crafts
Crafts and art vendors are one of the features that set Jazz Fest apart from other festivals. Guests will have the opportunity to peruse clothing, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, musical instruments, and other finely crafted pieces that represent Louisiana’s diverse heritage. Perennial crafting highlights include the Congo Square African Marketplace, the Louisiana Marketplace, and works by members of Louisiana’s Native American tribes.
This year, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will take place over two weekends, on April 28th-30th and May 4th-7th. Festival hours are 11 AM-7 PM. Advance single day tickets start at $85, while weekend passes start at $240 per person. Louisiana state residents are able to get in at a discounted price of $50 on Thursday, May 4th. Jazz Festival offers a variety of impressive VIP packages in addition to general admission rates.
As any Jazz Fest veteran can tell you, Jazz Festival 2023 will be crowded! That’s why, Swamp tours in New Orleans is a great way to escape from the noise and enjoy Louisiana’s beautiful bayou scenery. After all, these very marshes have inspired many of the songs you’ll hear at the festival.
A New Orleans swamp tour will leave you feeling refreshed and more intimately connected with the nearby New Orleans area. What’s best of all, local tour guides will make sure that you learn all about the incredible plant and wildlife, all while sailing down an eco-friendly flat-bottomed boat. Book your New Orleans swamp tour with Cajun Encounters today!
Cajun Encounters Tour Company
Swamp Tours New Orleans – City Bus Sightseeing Tours – Plantation Tours New Orleans
