New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2010

The Festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, so the music encompasses every style associated with the city and the state blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between. And of course there is lots of jazz, both contemporary and traditional. Beginning in the early 70s with a handful of artisans - from self-taught painter and street preacher Sister Gertrude Morgan, to acclaimed jewelry designer Mignon Faget, and Louisiana Coushatta basket weavers - the Festivals Crafts now include the diverse works of more than 300 regionally and nationally acclaimed artists in four distinct event venues. Enter Congo Square and experience music and art from Africa and the African Diaspora. The Congo Square stage features performances by African, African-American, African-Caribbean and Latino musicians. Shop at Congo Square African Marketplace for original paintings, sculpture, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and an array of handcrafted artworks. Contemporary Crafts, is a nationally recognized showcase of alluring handcrafted clothing, beautiful leather goods and handblown glass, along with a brilliant array of paintings, photographs, sculptures and irresistible jewelry. In the Louisiana Marketplace, the states finest traditional and contemporary artists display and sell hand-colored photographs, pine needle baskets, whimsical jewelry, and other creations that evoke the states unique cultural history. Like its signature dish, gumbo, Louisiana is a spicy stew comprised of many distinctive elements - African American, Cajun, Native American, Isleno and practically everything in between. To experience this unique culture firsthand, visit the Louisiana Folklife Village and discover many of the states generations-old traditions. The Native Nations Tent showcases Louisianas indigenous craftspeople, many of them Elders, from state and federally recognized Louisiana tribes.