For 16 years, the Crescent City Blues and Barbeque Festival has drawn crowds for its live music, delicious food, and unique art, all available for free. This event is held by the New Orleans Heritage Jazz Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to the “music, culture, and heritage of communities in Louisiana,” and all proceeds from the festival go to their beneficial programs.
The Blues and Barbeque Festival returned to New Orleans at Lafayette Square Park last weekend, Oct. 13-15. Festival attendees sat on steps, lawn chairs, and blankets to listen to the music.
Food and art vendors lined up on opposite sidewalks at the edges of the park, making it remarkably easy to navigate their booths. The music could be heard throughout the park and in the surrounding neighborhood.
The event featured two facing stages, one at St. Charles Ave and the other at Camp Street. The two stages allowed for seamless transitions between performances or, as one announcer put it, “Are you ready for more music? Just turn around!”
At the Louisiana Music Factory booth, attendees could buy CDs and other merchandise, plus meet some of the performers and get autographs immediately after their sets.
Over the course of three days, the two stages saw over 18 different performers. Some from nearby, some from further away, some new, and some regulars.
On top of the music, over 15 food vendors and 23 art vendors were present.
The musical occasion supported the foundation’s year-round programming, which centers on education, economic development, and cultural enrichment.
