keb0503

am i late or in good time to be thinking / planning for this? i've never been to new orleans and was told this was a great time to visit (not as crowded as mardi gras).
i've just started researching so any help would be appreciated. where would it be best to stay, places to eat, "must sees"
thanks!

JeanH

I probably shouldn't answer this since I've never been to Jazz Fest. It's true that the town isn't as crowded as Mardi Gras. And I understand the entertainment is top notch. But, the entertainment is out at the fairgrounds and that means finding transporation and such. So, let me recommend my favorite time in New Orleans, the French Quarter Festival, in 2004 the dates are April 16-18. 15 or so stages set up throughout the French Quarter with food stands in Jackson Square and along the river. Lots of good music, although not the 'headliners' that you'll see at Jazz Fest. Also not quite as many people, although it's drawing more people every year.

I just made reservations myself last week, so there is still availabilty. Lots of places will have a four night minimum stay requirement. Not a problem for us, we come in on Thursday and leave on Monday.

For more info, see frenchquarterfestival.org

MzPossum

I can second JeanH's comment about the French Quarter Jazz Festival. Jackson Square is shaded and in the heart of the French Quarter with bands from all over and SUPERB food (from French Quarter restaurants) There are famous groups that come to the big New Orleans Jazz festival but one comment I've heard is that it can get very hot in the fairgrounds and there is very little shade.

keb0503

thanks for the suggestion. i'd never heard of the french quater festival. i'll look it up. thanks!

puddy

Keb,

Definitely not too late to plan for next year's Jazz Fest. I am going with a group of friends and have yet to make arrangements. I went for the first time 2002 and loved it. As for the French Quarter, it was a good crowd. Not as crowded as MG but plenty of action going on.

As for the music, it really isn't much of a jazz festival. There are, I believe, 11 stages and only one is dedicated to jazz. However, there is gospel, blues, zydeco, cajon, etc. The main stage has the biggest acts with one national headliner each day... and it's not jazz. The weekend we were there (it's two 4-day weekends worth of music) was Lenny Kravitz, Melissa Etheridge, and I can't recall the thrid one. This year I know one of the big acts was LL Cool J. So it is definitely not just a jazz fest. A close second best part of the festival is the food. Probably similar to what JeanH described in the FQ Festival only (most likely) more. There were tons of booths selling great food really cheap (try the crawfish bread). As it was pointed out, it is at the fairgrounds so it can get hot (we had record highs in the 90's when we were there). Transportation is not a big deal but you do need to drive or take a bus to get there.

If you are looking for a smaller festival, the FQ Festival might be a better choice. Or, if you could extend your trip to a week, you could catch the end of the FQ Festival and see the first weekend of Jazz Fest giving you M-W to enjoy the city and everything else it has to offer.

keb0503

thanks all!
i found the wedsite for the festival
www.nojazzfest.com
looked helpful and there seems to be a shuttle out to the fair grounds. i didn't even think about heat. good to know it can be hot as early as may.