It's Time for Jazz Fest

This week marks the beginning of the 31st New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Starting Friday, April 28th and running through Sunday, May 7th the 10 days of weekend heritage fairs, evening concerts and workshops will bring together over 10,000 musicians, crafters, artists and cooks with 500,000 plus visitors.

The Heritage Fair has moved to the historic New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Track and with music on 12 stages you are sure to find what you like - Jazz, both traditional and contemporary, Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Ragtime, Gospel, Cajun, Zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, Folk, Latin, Rock, Country, Bluegrass and just about everything in between - In addition marching brass bands wander through the crowds with many fair goer's following along in a "second line".

If that's not enough the food is sure to tempt your taste buds! Everything from "Po-Boys" to pasta to alligator can be found at the food booths. Try some crawfish, shrimp etoufee, gumbo, boudin and many other classic Louisiana favorites. Top it off with a beignet, strawberry shortcake or perhaps a pear tarte then head back to that "second line" and work some of it off!

Next stop the Craft Tents - Watch the making of a Mardi Gras Indian costume or check out the handmade instruments at the Louisiana Folklife Village. Then wander over and shop for masks, handpainted silk clothing, jewelry, paintings and sculptures at the Contemporary Craft area. Another spot not to miss is the Congo Square African Market Place with original artwork, clothing, crafts and jewelry.

Sound like too much for one day? It is, so make your plans early and see it all! Still not enough? Check out the Evening Concerts scheduled throughout the Festival or one of the many Workshops.

How much does all this cost? Fairgrounds tickets: Advance, Adults, $15.00; Children, $1.50. At the gate: Adults, $20.00; Children, $2.00. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Evening Concert tickets vary with the event.