The Photo Pit -Captures From The 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

July 24, 2019 by Kyra Kverno

: Aaron Neville / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Ani DeFranco / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Al Green / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Chaka Kahn /photo by Kyra Kverno

: Big Freedia / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Trombone Shorty and Mavis Staples / photo by Kyra Kverno

Editor’s Note:

Brooklyn Roads Magazine’s Contributing Photogapher Kyra Kverno shares her thoughts and some magical images of the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival :

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or “Jazz Fest”, as it is known to festival goers, celebrated its 50th year on April 26, 2019. The Festival started at Congo Square in 1969 and cost just three dollars to attend, with mostly local acts and only four stages. It has grown significantly and now has 12 stages, many national acts and is set in a much larger venue. The price of admission has gone up since its’ beginnings a half century ago, but the Festival still provides attendees with a unique musical experience.

Jazz Fest has always celebrated the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. A wide array of musical genres is represented, including Blues, Cajun, Jazz, Gospel, Zydeco, Bluegrass, Country, R&B, Folk, Latin, Rock, Rap and Afro-Caribbean. I can’t think of a festival that offers the same variety of musical genres in one event. Oh! And let us not forget the food. The food choices could create a festival in and of itself! Crawfish Monica, Cochon de Lait Po-Boy, Ya Ka Mein, Cracklins, Redfish Baquet. Oh My!

There are lots of choices to be made while attending the festival. What acts to see, what tasty treats to try but no matter what you choose, it will be the best experience. There are no bad choices to be made.
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Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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