Mary Beth Romig of New Orleans & Company said the return of the JazzFest is a much-needed boost to the economy and the spirit of the people. The Grand Marshal VIP pass allows exclusive access to a standing-only section at the front of the Festival's three largest stages. A limited number of tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and Grand Marshal VIP often sells out; customers are encouraged to purchase in advance. Each ticket includes access to an exclusive indoor viewing area at the Festival's largest stage, as well as the opportunity to see all the action.
While there will be ATMs throughout the festival venue, it is recommended to bring your own money to avoid ATM and vendor fees for card transactions. Folding chairs, blankets and tarpaulins for the floor are ideal for sitting and enjoying concerts throughout the fairgrounds. Other than factory-sealed water bottles, no outside food or drinks are allowed upon entry. The mission of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is to promote, preserve, perpetuate and promote Louisiana's music, arts, culture and heritage.
Only Jazz-Fest Express vehicles will use a special ticket to avoid traffic and bring Festival attendees to the Festival's gates. Since 1985, the Foundation has distributed more than 8,500 free tickets to the JazzFest to low-income recipients, and since 1979, the Foundation has invested the proceeds of the JazzFest in the community through Community Collaboration Grants. The first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was held in 1970 in Beauregard Square, formerly known as Congo Square, where African percussion and dancing had persisted during the era of slavery. In addition to safeguarding all the media and artifacts documenting the JazzFestival and the Foundation, it also continues to make available resources with things like the searchable online catalog and the online database of Jazz-Fest artists.
The foundation also gives 8,500 Jazz-Fest tickets to community groups; runs the free Heritage School of Music and supports other music education programs; hosts four free annual music festivals in New Orleans; subsidizes performances by Louisiana musicians across the state; subscribes to a musician's clinic; documents the musical history of the region and participates in other efforts to maintain New Orleans traditions. Tickets and tickets for the JazzFest Express are available for sale on the days of the Festival at these locations or in advance through TicketMaster. In 1970, pianist Ellis Marsalis advised the first festival to hire the city's future jazzy band leaders. If you've changed your tune and want to support The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation beyond what you pay at the door of the JazzFest, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the foundation here. A ticket to Krewe of JazzFest is required for all children over the age of 2 to access Krewe of JazzFest observation area. The Big Chief VIP Experience is also available for those looking for a luxurious way to enjoy New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The festival became self-sufficient in mid-1970s, and George Wein's Festival Productions considered turning it into a for-profit corporation. Eventually, years after passage of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, he took opportunity to create a New Orleans festival “combining two festivals he had done in Newport, folk and jazzy” he said in an interview. As excited as everyone is to return to fairgrounds, it's a good idea to prepare ahead of time for things like trips, big crowds, what you should bring and unique crafts from artisans who set up stands at JazzFest. Here is a list of what you CANNOT bring to festival site.