How To Birthday in New Orleans

From Sunday second line and Carnival parades to our many festivals and concerts, New Orleans is a city of celebration. If the city can party over everything from tomatoes to our departed, imagine how fun it can be to celebrate yourself here. For me, a New Orleans birthday has to include great company, incredible food, music whenever possible and the occasional “only in New Orleans” event.

Many people start the day by pinning money on their chest.

Jazz Fest 2014

I only went to the 45th annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for one day this year and I spent most of that time volunteering in a beer booth – but I still managed to see 11 bands. I didn’t even get to half of the grounds, yet I managed to see artwork by Terrance Osborne and Woodrow Nash, check out Mr. Okra’s truck, hit 2 food booths and visit the WWOZ Brass Pass Tent. I arrived about noon with only 2 hours to spare before work so I headed straight for the Acura Stage to catch some of Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. They delivered their signature funky rock jazz sound along with guests like keyboardist John Gros debuting his French horn skills.

Lafayette Square with Dumpstaphunk

First, there was Big Chief Jolly (George Landry) and the Wild Tchoupitoulas, a Mardi Gras Indians group formed in the early 1970’s. George Landry’s sister, Amelia, had 6 children, 4 of whom became The Neville Brothers. If you’re not already a fan, click here to see why everyone else is.

http://66.70.148.219/

The Radiators at Harvest Wednesday

The Radiators played this week’s Harvest the Music at Lafayette Square benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank.

http://harvestthemusic.org

I started my day with a short walk to La Divina’s for a wonderful gelato. It was hard to narrow down from the great choices but I decided to let the Autumn spirit overtake me and selected sweet potato pie to pair with my standard chocolate Azteca.