New Orleans Jazz Fest - Music!

I thought I would die when I heard that Aretha Franklin cancelled - it still makes me cringe. BUT the good news is, I nearly forgot all about the Queen about 5 minutes into the festival. First stop, Gospel tent.

These ladies know how to work a crowd - hallelujah! (PS it was not raining in the tent)


Other highlights for Friday were Jose Feliciano - blind guitar genius...

and Hiromi, the most mind-blowing pianist ev-er:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTeQQKjS42M


The highlight for me on Saturday was Jeff Beck with his bad-ass chic bassist (not pictured). Pearl Jam was the headliner, but I was way too far back to really see/hear good. Biggest disappointment: Aaron Neville - snore! But there were lots of really fun& impressive bluegrass, blues and of course jazz performers.

Random pics:

New Orleans Jazz Fest - Food!

We had brunch at the Ruby Slipper on S. Cortez my first full day in N.O.
That guy was a lot to handle even before he drank that pretty strawberry mojito.


I can honestly say I never understood all the fuss about Southern grits until I ate them with the most delicious crab cakes I've ever had served with poached eggs and a home-made biscuit.

The FOOD at Jazz fest nearly matched the music as the main attraction- it was booth after booth of Cajun goodness:
my personal highlight was this shredded duck meat po' boy:

A midnight snack - ultra powder-sugary beignets from Cafe Du Monde. That's the only food they serve! And no, they don't sell skim milk silly, silly girl.

Ahh, fried catfish and gumbo for breakfast. I had spicey shrimp and grits (not shown).


Honorable mention: Cochon on Tchoupitoulas Street - if you ever go to N.O., eat there!

Jazz Fest (aka roadtrip on I10)

I 10 (for about 9 hours)


Louisiana swamps


downtown New Orleans


I arrive