As the official site of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as well as the legendary birthplace of jazz, the Big Easy beckons music lovers from around the world every spring. Now in its 39th year, the 2008 jazz blowout—known locally as the Jazz Fest—is slated to run from April 25-27 and May 1-4. This festive event celebrates the music and culture of Louisiana as more than 400,000 visitors converge on New Orleans for a huge jazz party, complete with second line parades, food, and lots of live entertainment.
The BasicsThe Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, which is located 10 minutes from the French Quarter. This massive venue features three main stages and eight tents, all with continuous music from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Music ranges from jazz, blues, and zydeco to folk, rock, and rap. There’s even a kid’s tent for the little ones. The year’s headliners include Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Sheryl Crow, and the Neville Brothers. As more musicians stream into New Orleans, you’re sure to find more street performers in the French Quarter. In short, everywhere you look, there’s music.
When you get hungry, you can whet your appetite at one of the two large food areas, where you’ll have your choice of everything from crawfish and alligator to vegetarian plates and even the standard burgers and brews. Save some time to browse the crafts area, with artisans from around the world demonstrating and selling their wares. All in all, it’s a very full day.
Access DetailsEven though it’s a huge event, access hasn’t been overlooked at the Jazz Fest. Accessible parking is available near the front gate on Gentilly Boulevard. If you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving, then buy a ticket on the Jazz Fest Express bus. Operated by Gray Line Tours, these buses will run continuously from the Sheraton Hotel, the Gray Line Lighthouse and the Steamboat Natchez Wharf in the French Quarter to the Fair Grounds Race Course. Accessible (lift-equipped) transportation is available upon request. Call (504) 569-1401 or (800) 535-7786 to make advance arrangements.
Alternatively, you may be able to arrange for accessible transportation through RTA Paratransit Service (504-827-7433); however advance reservations are a must and the demand is usually quite high during the Jazz Fest.
Reserved accessible seating is available in all tents and stages, and Access Program ushers will be on hand to help folks find those seats.
Additionally, an Access Center will be located in front of the grandstand. A master key to the accessible restrooms (porta potties) will be available here. The Paralyzed Veterans of America will man the booth next door, which will offer free loaner wheelchairs to folks who can’t manage distances.
And if you have any access-related questions, feel free to e-mail access@nojazzfest.com or call (504) 558-7849.
All in all, it’s going to be a fun and accessible event, so come on down and enjoy yourself in the Big Easy.
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.
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