Natives and newcomers alike filled the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots for weekend one of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Here’s The Daily Reveille’s recap from day one and day three of the annual jamboree:
The first weekend was welcomed with amiable weather for its three-day run, and a dynamic lineup full of eminent headliners, and talented up and comers.  No matter the size of the stage, each act presented the audience with the same amount of enthusiasm and passion. 
Whether festival goers were there to see a specific performer, or just lounging in the grass and enjoying the atmosphere, they all had one thing in common: celebrating the music and culture of the festival’s city. 
From Professor Longhair looking over the crowd from the top of the Acura stage, to the stomping of the decorated Mardi Gras Indian tribes and impromptu second lines, the sounds of the Big Easy were everywhere. 
Through the  numerous southern and Creole dishes available and the echoes of Cajun and Zydeco music, the weekend reflected generations of culture and heritage passed down. 
Similar to the variety of music heard at the festival was the diversity of its attendees. 
Older fest veterans, families and young adults camped out with lawn chairs, flags and blankets, while others stood near their respective stages. 
The turnout looked the largest on Sunday, when the crowd stretched from fence to fence at the Acura and Gentilly stages. According to report by NOLA.com | The Times Picayune, as many as 460,000 people have attended the festival in years past, and this year’s attendance was similar. 
Skywriting made its return to the festival, along with many of the performers, and offered a tribute to Prince “Kiss” and “When Doves Cry” were heard as performers and attendees
remembered and celebrated the icon. 
Shirts and shoes were shed in the New Orleans spring heat, with festivalgoers embracing the easygoing, carefree vibe on the Fair Grounds. 
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, J.Cole, Pearl Jam, Van Morrison, Grace Potter, Steely Dan and Nick Jonas were the big artists performing during weekend one. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were the most anticipated  group to play at Jazz Fest, judging by the number of audience
members in band t-shirts. 
With weekend one in the books, it’s only a few weekdays until festivalgoers can be back soaking up the sun and music for weekend two which includes performances from Ms. Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder. 

Gallery • 19 Photos

Greta Jines

Mardi Gras Indians perform with members of The Caesar Brothers' Funk Box Friday, April 22, 2016 on the Jazz & Heritage Stage during the first day of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.