Tips from Professionals and the Rookies for JAZZ FEST in beloved NEW ORLEANS

We can't believe we almost missed going to glorious Jazz Fest in New Orleans yesterday!  After meeting Amy Reimer, the GM for the International House Hotel and our new adopted big sister, who was aghast we were leaving on Friday the first day of Jazz Fest, we pushed back our tickets to Friday night so we could see what all the fuss was about.  The day started at Amy's house with three of her best friends, Michelle, Dawn and Carla, all New Orleans natives.  We had mimosas and beers and then walked a few short blocks to Jazz Fest.  Upon entering we were blown away by tents and stages set up everywhere with all kinds of music -- Gospel, Cajun, Blues, Rock, you name it.  It was also much more of a cultural event than any other sort of music festival or concert we've been to-- the best of New Orleans cuisine is sold from booths, as well as crafts from around the world.  We also witnessed a ritual parade through the Festival grounds of African Americans and natives of New Orleans paying homage to the Native Americans who helped escaped slaves back in the olden days-- they were dressed in elaborate costumes made each year for the parade-- they make them all year for the parades and then burn them at the end.  Dancing and singing, they attract crowds at the Festival and in the streets of New Orleans who follow behind them in a gigantic congo line....

1. WEAR  -- wear shorts or a dress and flip flops.  Do not wear a jumper as Mary did -- makes port a potty visits time consuming-- everything comes up and down...

2. SUNSCREEN -- wear it and lots!!

3. BEER HUGGIES (aka coozies) -- you need them.  You can buy them there.  We are not beer drinkers anymore, but Jazz Fest was the exception.  Drink beer.

4. EAT -- there is so much delicious food.  A true showcase for New Orleans specialties-- we loved the Crawfish Bread-- melted cheese with crawfish on bread.  Next year we're trying the Cochon Delight Poboy too-- rave reviews.

5. BACKPACK-- use one or a bag you can sling across your body easily.  How else to dance, clap, hold beer, etc??

6. LET YOUR HAIR DOWN AND KICK UP YOUR HEELS!!

Thanks so much to the Professional Jazz Festers for showing us the ropes and converting us to annual Jazz Fest attendees!!  Most fun day.