05/13/2026
My first and definitely not last time in New Orleans for Jazz Fest. I am so glad I just went for it. I sat and thought about it for a while, and I need to just keep going with the flow. Surrender to the Flow duuuuuuhhhh. What a gorgeous city. The music, the food, the magic. I went alone and wound up finding a good group of about 10 people that I knew a little, but got to spend the week getting to know a lot more.
One of my favorite parts about this life is that I am never alone.... I meet so many people traveling, anywhere I go, I am likely to know someone. While in Nola I bumped into this guy Yancey who I met on my very first year on the road vending. I found him in Asheville busking and we hung out for the weekend. He was there with my friend Ashley who I met on phish tour, and now lives in Nola vending in the French Quarter. Having such a big group to explore the city and laugh and dance with. Make memories in a new place. I am so thankful.
Sleeping near the tomb of Marie Laveau and then being let in as the sun was rising for a private little romp was a life changing experience.
The music. Holy s**t. Craig had said it was like being waterboarded with music, he wasn't kidding. Jazz fest was a tad overwhelming for me *I get stressed in crowds when I can't move, also S**U during music** my favorite part of Jazz fest were the porch parties. That music was amazing, loud, vibrant,joyous and got the people going. Watching people laughing and dancing in the streets. It was one of the most beautiful things I've experienced.
The community of people were so loving. The food they brought to their porches. The way they welcomed me strolling around and selling my small box of wares. I talked to so many artists, got some great advice and shared some stories. Got to purchase from some local vendors as well. It was just so nice to be apart of everything.
Thank you to all who made my first jazz fest an amazing experience. New Orleans definitely has a place in my heart.