I recently spent a week in New Orleans updating Club Hour and this week found myself doing some research for the upcoming 2008 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. I have come to the conclusion that this town can THROW A PARTY.

As I noted in a previous newsletter, our Club Hour team was there for the BCS National Championship and it looked like a perfect warm-up for Mardi Gras. March rolled around and Mardi Gras was INCREDIBLE. Locals and visitors all partied like the tradition of this street festival demands. Floats, beads, cocktails, beers and well, plenty of other things you can imagine – Mardi Gras is back; bigger and better than it has ever been in the past!

With this 2 for 2 success on great times in NOLA, I was a bit worried as I drove out this past month to update our show. Sure the Crescent City packs them in for special events, but does it still have its mystique, still have its lure for the everyday traveler? As we went out the first night we knew we had a resounding YES! Whether it was the Thursday or Friday we ventured out and about, the scene was beautiful, it was lively and it was packed full of entertainment and people enjoying themselves.

How do they do it? How are they consistently one of the most popular party towns, all the while not losing its history and art and tradition? I have been wondering that and then I came across this year’s Jazz Fest line-up. I would list the major headliners here, but the list would take the entire page(few examples – Tim McGraw, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Santana, the Neville Brothers...). For a full line-up check out their official site.

As I read through this list I finally understood the secret to this town’s success – when they do anything, they DO IT RIGHT. Whether it be the world class cuisine, the pursuit to the perfect cocktail (check out July’s Tales of the Cocktail), putting on the most memorable music festival of the year or simply creating a single street whose names defines music, fun and flirtations – New Orleans commits to making every event the most memorable!

If you have not already made your Jazz Fest plans, its never too late! Can’t make it this month, head out any week through June 18th and check out their weekly free music series Wednesday on the Square. Who am I kidding, any weekend, any weeknight, there is amazing sights and world class sounds coming from the streets of New Orleans…Here at Club Hour, we would love to hear about you favorites in the Big Easy – send those pictures and stories to us at Randy@tripsmarter.com.

I completely agree! New Orleans is definitely one of my favorite destinations. Last year's Voodoo Fest was the first time I had been back since Katrina, but it was as good or better than my previous New Orleans adventures. That place is back.. the French Quarter and other parts of town are thriving... and, I can hardly wait to get back there and enjoy some Huge A ss Beer and Redfish on the Halfshell!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!!!!!!!!!!