#tbt: A visual recap of Jazz Fest 2019

Editor’s Note:  The following series “All about Jazz” is a week-long series curated by Rena Repenning as part of the Digital Research Internship Program in partnership with ViaNolaVie. The DRI Program is a Newcomb Institute technology initiative for undergraduate students combining technology skillsets, feminist leadership, and the digital humanities.

Yes, this is the time when we’d be swarmed with floral shirts, drinking mango freezes, and sweating to our favorite beats in the sun, but due to  COVID-19, the annual New Orleans Heritage & Jazz fest is postponed until Fall 2020. However, that doesn’t mean we all won’t be getting down and dancing in our living spaces. WWOZ will broadcast for 8 days-8 hours each (11am-7pm), the same days and hours as the originally-scheduled Jazz Fest (April 23-26 and April 30-May 3). So turn up the volume and get down to our Nola sounds! To also get you in the mood, we are bringing you a virtual Jazz Fest from the fests of the past. Originally starting in 1970, Jazz Fest is a staple in New Orleans culture and showcases musicians and talent, new and old. Happy Jazz, everyone, and we can’t wait to dance with you again in the hot hot sunshine (and pouring down rain, of course!)

This article was originally published on 5/16/19.

The 50th Anniversary of Jazz Fest had its fair share of ups and downs, from some big-name cancellations to a couple of delayed-opening days due to heavy storms, but in the end the music prevailed and the Jazz Fest faithful reveled in the one-of-a-kind joy that can only be found in springtime in New Orleans.  Shane Colman took in the sights and sounds of the Fest over two weekends, bouncing between stages at the Fairgrounds and hitting a couple of superb night shows (Karl Denson’s tribute to Aretha Franklin may have taken the cake for best set of the two weekends).  Now that the dust has settled, check out some of his best shots below and mark your calendar for Jazz Fest 2020!