Dear Listener,

Jazz Fest is just around the corner: visions of yet another orgy of music, food, sun and fun are sending me into sensory overload, and it isn’t even the last weekend of April!

Maybe it’s just the lingering effects of what has to have been the best French Quarter Festival in the history of French Quarter Festivals.  Or maybe it’s just the break in the unrelenting winter weather that blossomed this past weekend into full-bodied spring, just in time to savor the music in full dance mode.

Whatever it is, that same satisfying buzzy feeling lingers after French Quarter Fest as it always does the week or so after Jazz Fest. And with Jazz Fest just around the corner, it all seems like one big celebration. As French Quarter Fest continues to up its game in size, production values, and musician selection, one can’t escape the comparison with Jazz Fests of days past: a music and food extravaganza featuring all local musicians and an ever-lengthening menu of local epicurean experiences, all affordable to local residents.

French Quarter Fest, just like Jazz Fest, is straining to find additional space in which to tuck more attractions and even more people. I can’t imagine that the hotels and restaurants were any less sold out last week then they will be next. It’s already gotten to the point where I’m hearing my friends say that they'll only consider going to French Quarter Fest on Thursday or Friday because of the crowds. Sound familiar?

As French Quarter Fest gets better, the only real difference (beside price!) is the number of truly marquee names that Jazz Fest offers (hence the difference in price). If there are any stars in the mix that you simply cannot miss, then the issue of price quickly changes into a question of value. And no one can argue that for the money, access to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Phish, Santana, Trombone Shorty, Lyle Lovett, Robert Plant and Eric Clapton for less than 1/3 of the price of most festivals with those same artists is well worth the money.

Hmm…. if only there was a music festival the weekend between Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest.  As I always say, "too much ain’t enough."

Yours in barricades and marinades,

David Freedman
General Manager

Recipe for Jazz & Heritage Festival: start with the world's greatest music lineup, add a dizzying array of amazing food and drink, and give it all the warm happy vibe of family reunion. Oh, and put it in New Orleans, where the music will continue in clubs and bars all night long. Serve it over seven spring days, and let WWOZ live broadcast some of the tastiest parts.

» Jazz Fest is on!

If you can't be at Jazz Fest, don't miss our live broadcasts.

» WWOZ's Live Broadcasts from Jazz Fest

Help honor the New Orleans piano tradition at this year's WWOZ Piano Night, a one-of-a-kind fundraiser for the station, held at the House of Blues on the Monday night between the two weekends of Jazz Fest. This year's performers include an amazing array of piano talent, including Ellis Marsalis, Jon Cleary, Davell Crawford, John Gros, Marcia Ball, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Krown and many more.

» More on Piano Night, including ticket information

Wondering what night shows you might check out after a day at Jazz Fest? Sounds like a question for the WWOZ Livewire Music Calendar. For April 25, the first day of the fest, night shows include, among dozens of other great shows: at the Blue Nile, Kermit and Soul Rebels; at the Rock 'n' Bowl, Sonny Landreth, Bonerama, and Tab Benoit; at the Spotted Cat, Washboard Chaz and the Cottonmouth Kings.

» Find night shows on the WWOZ's Livewire Calendar

If you haven't got your 2014 Brass Pass yet, it's not too late: you can still get one.

» Get a Brass Pass before they're gone

On the other hand, if you've already bought a Brass Pass (thanks much!), you can pick it up according to the instructions here:

» Brass Pass pick up times and locations

WWOZ is heading north across the lake for a very special event on Saturday, May 10 at the Mellow Mushroom in Covington. Larry Hartzog, a long time supporter of WWOZ passed a few years back, and his family and friends came together to create the Larry Hartzog Mellow Brew Fest (AKA Larry Fest), with proceeds benefiting WWOZ. Larry loved Jazz and Blues and was also an accomplished home brewer. Starting at 4pm, Larry Fest will have beer tastings, food, and live music by Guitar Slim, Jr.

» Larry Fest

In case you haven't heard, the Swamp Shop has opened inside the Louisiana Music Factory store at Frenchmen and Decatur Streets. Check out our hot new summer tees (perfect festival attire!) and cool koozies to help your drink keep its chill on.

» Stop by the Swamp Shop or shop online

Finding an advertising company that gets the eclectic character of WWOZ was no easy task; luckily, we met Robert Alford and his team at Alford Advertising. Longtime friends and supporters of the station, they got us immediately. The Alford team created the "Guardians of the Groove" campaign, the one you see in publications and on bus shelters around New Orleans, featuring people like Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty, and Meschiya Lake. 

 » More on Robert Alford

What's better than some good old-fashioned cornbread? How about cornbread with fresh shrimp and jalapenos? Cook up a batch of this traditional recipe from Brigsten's New Orleans restaurant to share with friends and family for a light treat that doesn't skimp on taste.

» Recipe: Shrimp Cornbread