Founded in 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival hosts nearly half a million people annually over a ten-day period. With jazz music, traditional Louisiana food, crafts, and sections dedicated to heritage and history, Jazz Fest is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in New Orleans. This key music and culture event also happens to coincide with the RPMDA 2020 convention!
At this year’s RPMDA convention, the Saturday May 2nd sessions end before lunch so that convention goers can head to the fair grounds and partake of Louisiana food, crafts, culture, and especially the music. With over a dozen stages, there are many acts to check out with your fellow RPMDAers. Notable acts on Saturday include Dead & Company, Keb’ Mo’, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, PJ Morton, Lizzo, and many more.
Beyond music, Jazz Fest offers dozens of food vendors serving up quintessential Louisiana dishes like alligator sausage, crawfish beignets, jambalaya, gumbo, muffulettas, po’boys, and more. You may even find a helping of mofongo or lechon in the Cultural Exchange Pavilion where special guest Puerto Rico will showcase its vibrant music and culture.
Bring walking shoes if you’d like to explore New Orleans on your way to the festival (approximately a 3 mile walk), but you can also hop on a street car or the shuttles provided by the convention. Transit back to the hotel will be on your own; there’s just too much to do and see to try and keep everyone on the same schedule!
When you register for the convention, don’t forget to pick up your ticket for the Saturday Jazz Festival!