The first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival came to a close on Sunday, meaning that the celebration is halfway over. Many acts came through and countless pounds of delicious food were consumed in the name of fun in the New Orleans sun.
In a matter of three days, thousands of fans made memories with classic Jazz Fest returning acts as well as some new faces to experience.
Saturday opened with the opportunity to catch several original jazz acts like Treme Brass Band and the Shotgun Jazz Band, both of which packed the Peoples Health Economy Tent with dancing parades. The New Wave Brass Band took the Jazz and Heritage Stage, wowing audiences with its improvisational prowess.
With the jazz came the funk. At the Congo Square Stage, New Orleans bounce artist Big Freedia dominated with his pulsating beats and commanding stage presence. Later that day, the same stage was occupied by none other than Robin Thicke, whose sanctimonious entrance set up the performance’s air of excellence. Unfortunately, Thicke ended his set nearly 40 minutes earlier than scheduled, singing his 2013 hit “Blurred Lines.”
One of the day’s biggest names was Robert Plant, who is known the world over for his role as singer of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. Plant performed with his latest musical fabrication, the Sensational Space Shifters. To the surprise of the entire crowd, Plant and his crew snuck a few verses of the Led Zeppelin hit “Black Dog” into a Sensational Space Shifters song.
Even though the set began at 4 p.m., jam band Phish played for three hours, closing out Jazz Fest at 7 p.m. Saturday. Despite the extensive set-time, Phish was able to maintain an immense audience of devotees throughout.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of Jazz Fest, meaning that there are surely some lifelong enthusiasts with crowds spanning all ages.
Some acts at Jazz Fest, like Eric Clapton who performed an hour-and-a-half set on the Acura stage, appealed to the older fans in attendance. However, the third day of the first weekend was truly a day set aside for the younger people of Jazz Fest.
Sunday exhibited a slew of contemporary artists, which beckoned for the attention of teenagers and young adults from not only Louisiana but also the country. “Uncle Charlie” Wilson, who notably collaborated with Kanye West on the “Yeezus” track “Bound 2,” performed on the Congo Square Stage.
The New Orleans horn band Galactic is a Jazz Fest favorite, returning each year with new and exciting jams for its fans. The band’s 2014 appearance featured Louisiana vocalist Maggie Koerner, who performed an exciting rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.”
Since receiving considerable attention in the last year, Louisiana indie rock band Royal Teeth made its second Jazz Fest appearance, this time to a significantly larger crowd of fans who were eager to hear what the beloved locals brought to entertain.
The day’s biggest name was New York indie favorite Vampire Weekend. Playing on the Samsung Galaxy Stage, the quartet attracted thousands of ecstatic admirers, most of whom wanted more to do with the young members of the band than the music itself. Vampire Weekend dished out hit after hit, filling out the set with tracks from its three albums. Fans were treated to the yet-to-be-released single “Ladies of Cambridge.”
With such a focus on music and culture present at Jazz Fest, it is important to note the performances by more traditional acts. The Fais Do-Do Stage was home to a variety of Cajun and Zydeco musicians, both young and old. The Grandfather of Zydeco himself, Buckwheat Zydeco, held a special tribute concert with C.J. Chenier, Terrance Simien and Rockin’ Topsie Jr.
At any given time, a throng of Mardi Gras Indians was making its way through the Jazz Fest crowd. Adorned in beautiful customary colored feathers, the Indians made their way up and down the fair grounds, stopping to execute traditional dances for passers-by. The Indians’ presence helped to remind patrons of the significant Native American influence in Louisiana music and culture.
Jazz Fest’s first weekend has ended and, as always, it has yet to disappoint. Starting May 1, the festivities will begin again at the fair grounds. Some of the more highly anticipated acts of the second weekend include Alabama Shakes, Foster the People and Trombone Shorty.

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Taylor Balkom

Royal Teeth vocalist Nora Patterson sings Sunday, April 27, 2014, during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.