NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is celebrating its 41st anniversary, and Friday’s downpour and the weekend’s resulting muddy grounds were hardly able to stop the party. The seven-day festival kicked off its first three days during the weekend, which featured Canadian-born rapper Drake, the Allman Brothers Band and Simon & Garfunkel, who came off a six-year concert hiatus Saturday. The pair hadn’t played together since 2004. “It’s so great to be down here at Jazz Fest,” Paul Simon told the crowd from the Acura Stage. Sun shone through the clouds on the Fair Grounds Race Course for the first time on the weekend shortly before the legendary folk duo took the stage. “[Friday,] we had our doubts,” New Orleans Mayor-Elect Mitch Landrieu told fans from the Acura Stage. “But we had no doubts the sun would come out for Simon & Garfunkel.” Art Garfunkel struggled with a sore throat throughout the set, prompting him to leave the stage for Simon to churn out some solo material, including hits “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” and “The Boy in the Bubble.” “It’s not that the mic’s not on — I’ve just got a little problem with my throat,” Garfunkel told the packed crowd after missing some notes on “Homeward Bound.” “There was no way I would not come down to Jazz Fest. I’ll just do what I can.” Festivalgoers appreciated his efforts. Matt Berger, University alumnus, said it was great to see the celebrated pair in person.”It was completely unbelievable,” Berger said as the mammoth crowd refused to disband 10 minutes after a second encore. “Seeing them was the perfect way to end the day.” Peter Lambert-Oswald, finance sophomore, said Simon & Garfunkel played a great show, but he preferred Simon’s solo set. “I really liked Paul Simon’s stuff,” Lambert-Oswald said. “It was cool that they got back together though.”Garfunkel rejoined his partner on stage for a moving rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” despite his vocal struggles. Ripping the microphone off its stand, he belted out his strongest notes of the night. “Thank you so much,” Garfunkel told fans after finishing the song. “You pulled us through.” And the crowd at the Fair Grounds was equally thankful. Across the Fair Grounds, Canadian-born rapper Drake rocked the crowd of mostly 20-somethings from the Congo Square “My Louisiana” Stage.  Simon & Garfunkel’s performance at the same time hindered Drake’s turnout, but he enthusiastically soared through hits like “I’m Going In” and “Say Something.” The Allman Brothers Band finished the festival’s opening weekend Sunday night. The seven-piece band capably performed several of its hits, including “Midnight Rider” and “Statesboro Blues.” Jazz Fest always features international acts and local musicians, but concert promoters chose mostly classic rock and blues artists to headline. Bluesman B.B. King and former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck are set to perform this weekend. “I love the local guys, but it’s great to see the big guys like Simon & Garfunkel,” said Nancy White, New Orleans resident. “They’re all from my era.”    In addition to the headliners, this year’s festival featured everything from jazz and blues to Latin music. New Orleans natives Funky Meters had the crowd dancing for their entire performance earlier Saturday afternoon. “This is my first Jazz Fest, but I love seeing jazz players,” said Lee Parrott, a resident of Jackson, Miss. Like its host city, Jazz Fest is known for the music, the atmosphere and the food. Festival staff served everything from softshell crab po-boys to crawfish remoulade. “The food is great out here,” said Ashu Sikri from Boston. “I decided to come out to Jazz Fest for the overall experience.” The weather Sunday was nearly perfect, but the rain poured relentlessly from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, leaving the grounds swamp-like for the remainder of the weekend. “It rained all day [Friday], but thankfully everybody played, and they didn’t shut anybody down,” said Matt Guillory, University alumnus.Louis Edwards, associate producer of the festival, said the turnout has been outstanding despite the early bad weather. “Attendance is largely weather-driven, but we’re loving the momentum,” Edwards said. “We’re only right in the middle of it, but it’s been a fine, fine event so far.”Attendance numbers won’t be available until the festival’s conclusion next weekend, Louis said. Jazz Fest also doesn’t release information on ticket sales and other financials, he said. –Contact Ben Bourgeois at [email protected]