Festival frenzy

JAZZ FEST

John Burns, 55

Owner, Christian Street Furniture

“From Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Jazz Fest offers the best in local and international artists. I also go for the Grand Marshal Pass, which is more expensive but guarantees front-row access and the ability to easily move from stage to stage. This year I’m also looking forward to hearing Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Bruce Springsteen and a great band called the Carolina Chocolate Drops.”

nojazzfest.com

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL

Allison Spence, 25

Nursing Student, Our Lady of the Lake College

“I love the cultural diversity it advertises to our community. The bright colors, diverse artwork, fabulously distinct music and collaboration of people. I’m definitely excited to see Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers and Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys.

My favorite thing about Festival International is that it costs absolutely nothing to attend. You can bring your own ice chest of drinks and just enjoy the music.”

festivalinternational.com

BLUES FEST

Jeremy Pleasant, 24

Director of Operations, Cutting Edge Louisiana and Fusion Media

“Don’t bring chairs or a whole bunch of stuff. You’re [going to want] to move around. There’s a great sense of community. People are friendly and want to mingle. The level of talent that comes through blows me away, and this year I’m definitely looking forward to hearing Henry Gray. Some of the best blues I’ve seen was at Blues Fest.”

batonrougebluesfestival.org

FEST FOR ALL

Mary Terrell Joseph, 67

Attorney, McGlinchey Stafford

“I’ve brought my children for many years, and now I am bringing grandchildren this year. It has everything: arts, crafts, hands-on activities and performances just for kids, music, food, and fun people for two whole days. And it’s free. You have to get the fried alligator, funnel cakes—fried anything. Calories don’t count at Fest-For-All.”

artsbr.org