FILE – Big Freedia performs on the Congo Square stage during Jazz Fest at the New Orleans Fairgrounds on April 28, 2018. 28, 2023. (Brett Duke/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP, File)
CHEVEL JOHNSON RODRIGUE (Associated Press)
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — This year’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival kicked off its two-week run on Friday, filling the air with sounds of R&B, rock’n’roll, zydeco, pop, blues, country, rap and gospel. Jazz of course.
When the gates opened at 11:00 am, music fans flooded the Fair Grounds Racecourse. They roamed between 14 stages and tents, with many spreading blankets and tarps, setting up folding chairs and claiming where their favorite artists would perform.
And some were dancing, especially in front of the festival’s Fais Do-Do stage. There, Zydeco played by Geno Delafose and French his rockin’ boogie blared.
Seattle retiree Joe Halsey said he and his wife have spent the past four months in New Orleans. .
“You can’t compare,” he said. “This is just one of his New Orleans gems that I love. The whole vibe.
“There is nothing better than music, food, music,” he said with a smile.
Food was available from dozens of booths staffed by Louisiana restaurants. There were many different takes on traditional Louisiana fare, including numerous seafood dishes with crawfish, sausage, pork, and alligator, as well as po boy his sandwiches. And there were other dishes, such as Ajan Cajun fried noodles.
Friday’s musical lineup included a scheduled performance by Lizzo. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss; Big Freedia; Tank and Bangus. Wu-Tang Clan + The Soul Rebels; Nicholas Payton; Mavis Staples; Kermit Ruffins and BBQ Swingers. Charlie Musselwhite; and Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience.
It was Lizzo who drew Kalindi Cordero from Dallas and her best friend Lana Zling from Atlanta to the festival.
“This city is so special. When I heard Lizzo was coming here, I started tracking lineups, tickets, hotels and everything,” Cordero said. “What shines in this festival is the diversity and expression of the city.”
Lizzo didn’t disappoint her fans with her many hits, including “About Damn Time” and “Grrls.”
“I’ve been on tour, but it’s not like being at a jazz fest,” she told an audience that stretched from the front of the stage to the back of the truck.
Jennifer Siegle of New Orleans said she’s a big fan of the singer who advocates for empowerment, self-love and body positivity.
“I absolutely love her,” Siegle said. “I love her energy. I love her attitude. She can’t hear her music and she can’t feel good about herself.”
Big Freedia’s bounce/rap show was set on the festival’s main stage before Lizzo, Tank and The Bangas. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to showcase my artistry in front of a wider audience and have so much room to do my thing. We’re here to entertain.”
Freedia, known for her collaborations with Drake on “Nice for What” and Beyoncé on “Break My Soul,” even though the two paired up on Freedia’s 2018 hit “Karaoke.” , said he had no plans to participate in Lizzo’s closing performance.
“I stand by her either way,” she said.
Freedia released a new song, “$100 Bill,” on Friday. This is her collaboration with R&B singer and songwriter Ciara.
This year’s festival also puts Puerto Rico in the spotlight, with two US Territory artists Tambuye and Grammy-nominated Latin dance band Plena Libre on Friday.
“There’s a whole atmosphere there and people should go out and feel it. We’re excited about what’s to come,” said festival producer Quint Davis.
“A lot of people came in,” he said. “Friday Lizzo, Saturday Ed Sheeran and Jazmine Sullivan, Sunday Jill Scott. Everyone wants to play at the festival and everything worked out to make that happen.”
The crowd was aided by sunshine, temperatures around 80 degrees (26 degrees Celsius), and cool breezes. Davis said good opening day predictions contributed to ticket sales. However, spotty showers could dampen the show on Saturday and Sunday.
New Orleans & Company spokeswoman Kelly Schultz said occupancy rates for hotels in the city’s downtown corridor are expected to continue in 2022, the first year after COVID-19-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021. said it exceeded the figures for the 2009 Jazz Fest. 2019.
“Saturday occupancy is 83%. In 2022 it was 78%, in 2019 it was 92% pre-COVID,” she said.
Schultz said this was just a snapshot of how well the city’s tourism industry is recovering after COVID-19 forced it to shut down. Face the connection again.
This year’s festival will also be cashless for the first time in 52 years. The festival will offer booths to exchange prepaid cards for cash. All major credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay were accepted for tickets, food, merchandise, and more.
