Jazz Fest 2018

I only made it out to one day of Jazz Fest this year, but it was a good one. Nopsi, Uncle Bill, Aunt Elena, her brother Joe, and I went to locals Thursday, which kicks off the second weekend.

Perry scored us passes into the Shell tent, where there was free beer, water, snacks and, most importantly, air conditioned bathrooms. SO awesome. It was really hot out that day, so being able to go into the shade of that tent whenever we wanted was amazing. Thank you, Perry!

Our group did not all stick together, since I wanted to be at Acura and Uncle Bill wanted to be at Gentilly. Nopsi came with me, while Elena and Joe bounced between our spots. Nopsi and I saw Naughty Professor, Stooges Brass Band, some of Telmary y Habana Sana of Cuba, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation on the Acura stage. The crowds steadily increased all day long.

On my many trips to the Shell tent for bathroom breaks and snack refills, I heard snatches of The Tangiers Combo in the Economy Hall tent and White Cloud Hunters Mardi Gras Indians on the Jazz & Heritage stage. Nopsi and I also walked over to Gentilly to hear most of Honey Island Swamp Band. So much good music.

At the end of the day, Nopsi went to join Bill at Gentilly for Lyle Lovett while Elena, Joe, and I stayed to watch Lionel Richie close out Acura. He was so good! Despite his sound completely going dead in the middle of a song; it was the craziest thing. He handled it like a true professional, though, and it was fixed in about 5 minutes. And Elena and I kept laughing at the Miller Lite beer guy (in the yellow shirt) who was having way too much fun.

And let’s not leave out the food! I had my favorite cochon de lait poboy, a mango freeze, crawfish bread, Creole’s stuffed bread, and a bite of Elena’s crawfish Monica. Carb loading at its finest.

  

I tried to find my artist friend Oscar in Congo Square, but he’s apparently only there on the first weekend. I was bummed since I wanted to add another pin to my hat. However, Elena and Joe went to the Quarter on Friday and found Oscar in the French Market. She bought me not one but two new pins. Thanks, Aunt Elena!

Jazz Fest 2018 came to a close the evening of May 6 after an epic run.

I’m already looking forward to next year!