In a world filled with music festivals, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is unique. Ever since the first Jazz Fest was held in New Orleans in 1970, musicians, artists, fans, festival volunteers, and even chefs have gathered for this springtime reunion in the Crescent City to celebrate the music, art, and food of this legendary culture. This week we’ll be enjoying some of the sounds and flavors that draw fans back to Jazz Fest every year — from Traditional Jazz and Blues to Alligator Sauce Piquante and Crawfish Monica.
This week we look at the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — including visiting the makers of some of the famous Jazz Fest dishes that fans wait all year for. All the varieties of food at Jazz Fest can be a little overwhelming when you see them for the first time: from Crawfish Bread and Cajun Jambalaya, to Pecan Catfish Meuniere and Tagine of Lamb, Creole Filé Gumbo, Cajun Duck Po-Boy, Shrimp and Grits, Ya Ka Mein, and Rosemint Tea. Everyone has their favorites, and revisit them every eyar while trying out new annual additions to the menu. Check out this 2016 list of Jazz Fest foods here: http://www.nojazzfest.com/food/food-list/
There’s also a wonderful Food Heritage Stage at Jazz Fest, where Louisiana cuisine is the star: local chefs, caterers, and food writers demonstrate preparation of dishes ranging from home cooked comfort food to fine dining. Demonstrators this year include: http://www.nojazzfest.com/food/food-heritage-stage-2016/
We don’t have Fireman Mike’s recipe for Alligator Sauce Piquante — but here’s a great interview with Fireman Mike from 2010: http://www.nola.com/jazzfest/index.ssf/2010/04/fireman_mikes_jazz_fest_booth.html
THIS WEEK’S TRACK LISTING:
Duke Ellington – “Blues for New Orleans” (music bed)
Lightnin’ Hopkins – “Mojo Hand / Baby, Please Don’t Go” (Live at Jazz Fest 1976)
Lou Donaldson – “Alligator Boogaloo” (music bed)
Cedric Watson – “Cochon de Lait”
Joe Krown Organ Combo – “Bring Me BBQ Baby”
The Meters – “Jambalaya”
Elvis Presley – “Crawfish” (music bed)
Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass – “Crawfish” (music bed)
Allen Toussaint – “I Could Eat Crawfish Everyday”
Panorama Jazz Band – “Sunny Side of the Street” (music bed)
Panorama Jazz Band – “Dulgo Horo”
Feufollet – “Chère Beth”
Amédé Ardoin – “Valse De Mon Vieux Village”
Clifton Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band – “Caledonia”
Dr. John – “Dance A La Negres”
Tom McDermott – “Black Beauty”
Allen Toussaint – “Sweet Touch of Love”
Allen Toussaint – “Play Something Sweet”
NEW ORLEANS CALLING is a production of WWOZ, listener-supported community radio in the Crescent City.
Your host, writer, editor, interviewer, audio engineer, and co-producer is George Ingmire.
Dave Ankers is the producer.
Melanie Merz is the supervising producer.
National distribution is managed by Lily Wasserman.
Web support by David Stafford.
Executive Producer is WWOZ’s General Manager David Freedman.
Additional thanks to:
Sally Young and Melanie Merz, for their voice talents;
Photo by Kichea S Burt
