It's been almost two weeks now, so I'm drawing a blank on any details, and we have only a handful of photos, sadly. It was definitely an unusual year with unseasonably cool temperatures and lots of rain.
Both of the boys loved the music, Charlie loved the food, and Hans loved the mud.
Hans had no problems walking barefoot from stage to stage, stomping through the puddles to get the mud from between his toes. Freddie is a bit more refined and avoided the mud. It made for an interesting walk around the fairgrounds.
We didn't get to see, hear, or eat nearly enough. The weather made it tricky, but having two mobile little people with
We set up at the Gentilly Stage each morning and stayed put for the most part, leaving only to venture out for beignets or a visit to the Kids' Tent. Charlie was in charge of taking the boys to use the port-o-potty, and he got major props from the crowd, and from this Mama.
I am so thankful to have the opportunity to experience Jazzfest as a family. The boys were exposed to so many varieties of music (and people!) over just a few days. There's nothing that devlops a greater appreciation for musicians and their craft like seeing a live performance.
Some tips on taking the kids to Jazzfest, for future reference:
- Kids tickets are only $5! (Adult tickets are $65 at the gate, $50 in advance)
- The tents (Kids', Jazz, Blues, Gospel) are better venues for kids to experience the music. They can be closer, see the musicians, and hear the music with fewer distractions. There's less room to dance, but most folks make room for a little guy who needs to get his groove on.
- Arrive early and grab something to eat while the lines are short and the crowds are thin.
- Plan on moving from one snack to the next: beignets and chocolate milk, snowballs, and peanuts all were big hits.
- You are welcome to bring in snack if you have kids. I had a huge lollipop for each boy and it kept them busy long enough for me to enjoy a few beers and chat a bit.
