If you’ve ever been to New Orleans then you know how special and one of a kind city it is.  With French Creole and American influences intertwined throughout, this place has become synonyms with great food and great parties.  My dad lived here playing music, and maybe attended a class or two, while in college at Loyola and it has become a yearly pilgrimage for my family for many years.

If fact, I’m writing this post from my bed at the Roosevelt Hotel in Downtown New Orleans right now.  Every year we come down to this wonderful city NOT for Mardi Gras, which I repeatedly tell people not to waste their time with, but instead for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
What:  New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

When:  Last weekend in April (Friday-Sunday) & the First weekend in May (Thursday-Sunday); Both weekends times are 11am-7pm

Who: NOT JUST JAZZ!  I’ve seen Dave Mathews Band, James Taylor, Juvenile, Tom Petty, Phish,  and just last night I added sir Elton John to the list (Great Performer!)

How much:  Tickets for Jazz Fest are $50+fees which ends up being just under $60 per day.  You can buy tickets for any day within the weekend and use them as you please. (Example:  I buy two 2nd weekend passes and I can use them for any 2 days during the 2nd weekend (Thursday-Sunday)