Nowhere celebrates like New Orleans - Everyone is familiar with Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street and the New Orleans Superbowl parties but how about the oyster fest, tomato festival, shrimp fest, Celtic fest, Greek fest, crawfish fest, swamp fest, gator fest...
Over the next few months over 250 festivals will be celebrated within 2 hours of New Orleans, with more added every year! This week let's take a look at one of the best The French Quarter Festival. Running this year from April 19th to the 22nd the festival was originally started in 1985 as a way to bring locals back to the quarter after the worlds fair. It has since developed into one of the hottest New Orleans attractions for the entire family.
With music, workshops, food and special events scattered throughout the French Quarter there is something here for everyone. Start out with a visit to the 14+ stages of music on Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Jackson Square and Woldenberg Park featuring Jazz, Blues,Country/Folk, Cajun/Zydeco, Classical, international/World, Rock/Folk, Gospel and more.
Then move on to the "worlds Largest Jazz Brunch" in Jackson Square and Woldenberg Park and enjoy dishes from over 40 of New Orleans best restaurants, for only $2-$4 a serving you won't want to miss this one.
Special events include the Pirate's Alley art show, second lines, guess the weight of the "Worlds Largest Praline" contest, childerns activities in St. Anthony's Garden (behind St. Louis Cathedral) and many more.
For those who want to learn a little more join one of the free (with advance reservations) New Orleans International Music Colloquium Jazz Workshops. This year some of the workshops include "Louis Armstrong and the New Orleans Cornet and Trumpet Tradition" as well as many historical workshops.
Still haven't had enough? Many of the French Quarter clubs offer special shows in the evening so come on down and enjoy.
Much of the funding for the free French Quarter Festival comes from beverage purchases from festival booths so please leave your coolers at home and support this great party with your purchases.
Can't make it this year - here are some future FQF dates - April 12-14 2002 & April 11-13 2003
Also, don't forget you can listen to The French Quarter Festival online at WWOZ radio - look for their webcast of the 13th annual Piano Night on April 30th.
Next week we will take a look at the upcoming Jazz and Heritage Festival - Until then Laissez Les Bon Temps Roule - "Doc"
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