The endearing documentary Jazzfest: A News Orleans Story celebrates the 51-year-old extravaganza of music, food and good times that is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Jazz Festival (always called Jazzfest). Documentarians Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern introduce us to founder George Wein, longtime festival producer Quint Davis and a host of musicians. They cover the history of the festival, its importance to Louisiana and the city, the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and how Jazzfest celebrates the unique cultures of New Orleans and Louisiana. And of course, they dive deep into the music and the musicians.
The killer moment in Jazzfest: A News Orleans Story is a divine Aaron Neville rendition of Amazing Grace that brings tears to Trombone Shorty, standing behind him on stage.
I had never thought of Jimmy Buffett as a New Orleans musician, but this is where he learned his chops, busking and then fronting a band on Bourbon Street. It turns out that Buffett has a substantial history with the Jazzfest. (Unrelated movie trivia: Jimmy Buffett had a bit part, “Additional Blonde Agent” in the cult movie Repo Man.)
This is Jazzfest 101 – a comprehensive intro course. We don’t dive into the behaviors of Jazzfest veterans, like pouring over The Cubes (festival’s program schedule) in January or procuring an inexpensive festival chair at the Canal Street Walgreen’s.
I love the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Jazz Festival so much – and I miss it so much – that I resisted seeing this film because the trailer made my heart ache. I’ve missed three trips to the Jazzfest in the past four years because of COVID and other misfortunes, and I really, really miss it. The Wife prevailed, however, because she loves Jazzfest so much that she just couldn’t miss this movie.
Here’s why. For the Movie Gourmet, the perfect vacation goes like this: sleep late and arise to cafe au lait and beignets, then stroll through the French Quarter to the bus on Canal Street that drops us at the Jazzfest at midday. Spend six hours listening to the world’s best blues musicians, and sample some of the world’s best gospel, cajun and zydeco, too. Sustain ourselves with cochon de lait poboys and alligator nuggets. Cap the day with a big name act (in 2022, for example, The Who, Stevie Nicks, Jason Isbell, Billy Strings, Nelly, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Avett Brothers, Lionel Ritchie, Death Cab for Cutie, Luke Combs, Elvis Costello, The Black Crowes, Norah Jones and Buddy Guy). Bus back to the room and shower. Enjoy a late dinner at one of the world’s best restaurants. Have some drinks at a local club listening to live local music. Hit Cafe du Monde for some post-midnight beignets and go to bed. Rinse. Repeat.
It turned out that, for The Movie Gourmet, Jazzfest: A News Orleans Story wasn’t painful after all, just wistful. I’m looking forward to returning in APril 2023. Trombone Shorty, Big Luther Kent and Trick Bag, Anders Osborne, Sonny Landreth, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone and The Iguanas await me. So do the sweetbreads at Bayona, the fried green tomatoes at Jacque Imo’s and delicacies at restaurants yet to be discovered.
Jazz Jazzfest: A News Orleans Story is in theaters.