How today is supposed to go....

Today I am feeling disappointed... If the world was not suffering from a pandemic, I would grab my festival chair, blanket, sunscreen, wet wipes, cash and head to the Fairgrounds for day 1 of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.  I would walk or ride my bike.  I would excitedly head toward the stage  that would serve as base camp for the day- likely Gentilly or Acura.  I would be greeted by the best faces belonging to friends who share a love of live music- some I see throughout the year, some I will only see during this time. 

I would spend at least 30  minutes sitting in my chair at base camp, looking around and taking in the weather, the people setting up all around us, the music, the vibe.  It's a happy dazed feeling, knowing this is the start of two, 4-day weekends full of amazing music, dancing, incredible art, food and camaraderie.  It is a feeling of joy. 

I would sit, visit and map out my music schedule- which stage and which time for which artist.  It would include Creole String Beans, Royal Teeth, Samantha Fish, Eric Lindell, Voices of the Wetlands All-Stars, Luke Winslow King, Avett Brothers, Lizzo and more.  I would be inspired by my friends' selections and decide which I would join them and which I would venture on my own to discover something new; inevitably running into another friend with the same idea. 

Next, I would decide on a beverage; probably Rose Mint Tea and begin my journey from stage to base camp stage to another stage- wherever the music pulled me.  I would get the first hint of color on my skin, get drunk on the music and feels and maybe a bit tipsy on the spiked tea.  But not to worry, I will grab a crawfish streudel or fried oyster spinach salad.  Yes, there is a food schedule as well!  Vermicelli bowl, gumbo, turkey giardiniera po-boy, oysters on the half shell.  One delicious option after another.  Trying at least one per day.

Then I would stalk the incredible talent of artists, makers and creators including hats, jewelry, art, sculpture and more.  I would pick several items to mull over for days before buying something, or three, one-of-a-kind and truly loved pieces.

Yes, today would be the start of another amazing, idyllic New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival experience.   In lieu of this, I am enjoying Jazz Fest-ing in Place put on by WWOZ (check out some great music at wwoz.org), I am wearing my Day 1 Jazz Fest dress and sneakers and my hat.  I am texting with some of the friends I would be spending this time with.  I will patron some of the brilliant food offerings that are being made safely available, to-go, at various establishments.  

It is no where near the same.  But I love the resilience of New Orlean-ians, Americans, humans.  I am so inspired by the creativity and resourcefulness in how we connect and continue to work to feed our own, and each others', mind, body and souls.  

I am missing Jazz Fest, friends and family but I am also feeling more love for and from them than maybe would have been recognizable to me otherwise.  I am feeling a greater purpose to serve than ever before.  And, for the first time in a long time, I am working through Jazz Fest.  If you are my client be prepared- I will definitely be in festival attire and have WWOZ in the background.  

Happy Not-Fest Y'all!