While the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival didn’t exactly do audiences a favor by scheduling the Red Hot Chili Peppers, J. Cole and Nick Jonas at the same time, but The Daily Reveille made its way to all three artists on April 24.
Here’s our notes for those who couldn’t make it to the big three’s sets:
1- Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Holy Grail of all performers, seeing RHCP is an experience one will never forget.
The Hall of Famers took over the Acura stage at 5 p.m. to a packed, eagerly awaiting crowd. The spectators extended from the barricades near the front of the stage to the bleachers on the back fence of the Fair Grounds, packed so tightly that one could not physically move.
As soon as guitarist John Klinghoffer started playing the opening chords to “Can’t Stop,” the audience went wild. As RHCP continued playing their greatest hits, it was everything one would expect them to be and more.
Even from the back of the grounds, listeners still felt like they were in the band’s presence. The stage doesn’t have to be visible to every audience member for him or her to live in the moment with this band.
2- Nick Jonas
Walking up to the Gentilly stage from the Folklife area, one could hear the high-pitched screaming of women ready for the ex-Jonas Brother.
Although Jonas has gone solo, one would think he’s still in his prime of the his boy band era, circa 2008.
Jonas’ first Jazz Fest performance showcased his raw talent as a vocalist.
The pop artist sang his most recent hits, “Closer” and “Chains,” along with a few popular covers. He brought up local talent Trombone Shorty toward the end of his set to accompany him on “Jealous.”
While the crowd was made up of a younger fan base, the crowd included some overflow festival goers who weren’t braving the crowd at the other two larger stages.
3- J. Cole
Rap artist J. Cole performed at the Congo Square Stage to a wall of dedicated fans.
The densely packed crowd was familiar with the artist’s work, and sang and danced along to every song.
The rapper wore a Prince jersey to pay homage to the singer. He engaged the younger crowd and moved animatedly around the stage, closing out the first weekend of the festival on a high note.

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Greta Jines

Nick Jonas performs Sunday, April 24, 2016 on the Gentilly Stage during New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.