New Orleans is one of my favourite cities in the world. The music, the food, the people, the music, the buildings, the culture …

And did I mention the music?

It’s not your typical American city. The influences of the different cultures are readily apparent, and, of course, it’s the birthplace of jazz.

Every year, over the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May, they hold the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Two weekends of music of the highest calibre, from musicians who truly know their chops. One of the great things about the festival is that the music selection presents itself as a veritable smorgasboard of music, with artists and styles from well beyond what most would consider to be the typical jazz realm.

For instance, last year guests included Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen. This year’s lineup includes Rod Stewart, ZZ-Top snd Percy Sledge!

In recognition of the jazzfest, the people, and the musicians, for the two Sundays that span the jazzfest I’ll be playing music of, from, and by the musicians who are appearing at this year’s festival, as well as those who may have appeared in prior years.