NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans native Jennifer Jones was electrified on the first day of Jazz Fest, dancing her heart out in front of the gates.
Jones, a local second liner who’s been performing at the festival for years, said the energy outside the gates can be just as exciting as what’s inside.
“It’s kind of like walking on the beach with the French Quarter,” Jones said. “When people finish with the fest they come outside, the bands are playing. It’s a precursor and an after party.”
She said one of her favorite moments is watching familiar faces arrive at the festival grounds.
“I have some friends that I’ve made over the years, and we see each other with like back at it again,” she said.
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Jeffrey Johnson said he loves helping festivalgoers stay hydrated.
“It’s satisfaction you know,” Johnson said. “Today is not a very hot day, but when it’s very hot out here it’s worth it.”
Johnson said gospel music fills the air near his stand as he hands out water.
“I love gospel, it’s always a good thing to listen to, catch your soul,” he said.
Just outside the gates, people from all walks of life gathered—enjoying time with family, selling merchandise, or sipping Bloody Marys at Liuzza’s by the Track.
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Los Angeles resident Chris Skaff made sure to get his drink before heading in.
It’s his second time at Jazz Fest, and he said it’s the atmosphere that keeps him coming back.
“There’s so many different genres of music,” Skaff said. “I love the zydeco music, the gospel tent, just everything—to be able to take it all in one spot is pretty sweet.”
James Gonczi, owner of Liuzza’s, said the festival delivers a crowd to his restaurant every year.
“It’s huge, obviously for everybody in this neighborhood, but for people all over the city too,” Gonczi said. “People are here right now, but you know they’re going to go elsewhere to other neighborhoods at night and stay downtown and stuff.”
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