Welcome to the WWOZ Blog! This is where 'OZ staff and beloved show hosts post news, thoughts, information, and of course, music.

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Food of the Day: Crawfish Monica

Fri, 05/03/13

Authored by:  David Stafford

Our food of the day today:  Crawfish Monica Probably the most-lauded of all Jazz Fest Foods was named for inventor Pierre Hilzim's wife, Monica Davidson. Fun fact: three U.S. presidents (Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama) and one pope (John Paul II) have enjoyed... Read more

Dancing at Fais Do Do

Fri, 05/03/13

Authored by:  Melanie Merz

The Zydeco dancers at Fais Do Do stage are one Jazz Fest guarantee. Rain or shine, there is always a lively crew kicking up their heels up front, bouncing, spinning and dipping to the Cajun beats.   Read more

Jazz & Heritage Center Building Named in Honor of George and Joyce Wein

Fri, 05/03/13

Authored by:  David Stafford

Earlier this morning, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation named the Jazz & Heritage Center building (pictured above and located at 1225 N. Rampart Street) in honor of George and Joyce Wein. From the Foundation's press release: "It was George Wein – foun... Read more

Today at Jazz Fest: Friday, May 3

Fri, 05/03/13

Authored by:  David Stafford

Here are a few things of note happening today at Jazz Fest: Pura Fé Interview, 2:00 - 2:45 on the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage, inside the Grandstand. Irma Thomas' Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, 4:40-5:40 in the Gospel Tent. Parades 12:00 New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Rhy... Read more

Lena Prima's That Sounds Good! Cooking Demo

Thu, 05/02/13

Authored by:  Melanie Merz

Lena Prima dazzled the Food Heritage stage in the Grandstand today as she prepared her own meatball recipe for crowd. Lena - the daughter of New Orleans' legendary jazz singer Loius Prima - donated this recipe to WWOZ's cookbook That Sounds Good!  Last night she prepared... Read more

Roy Ayers talks with DJ Soul Sister at Jazz Fest

Thu, 05/02/13

Authored by:  David Stafford

Legendary funk, soul, and jazz composer and vibraphone player Roy Ayers stopped by the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage for an interview with WWOZ's Soul Sister afternoon. XXXXXXXX. Ayers music has been sampled by many, many artists, including Eryka Badu, 50 Cent, Mary J... Read more

The Wild Anacostias Welcome to Weekend 2

Thu, 05/02/13

Authored by:  Melanie Merz

We all know that the Jazz Fest experience begins well before you enter the gate every day. Morning Of rituals and the walking approach to the festival gates get the Fest Spirit fluttering blocks away from the Fair Grounds: music, beverages, porch parties, parades of fest... Read more

Food of the Day: Cochon de Lait Po-Boy

Thu, 05/02/13

Authored by:  David Stafford

Our food of the day today: Cochon de Lait Po-Boy Cochon du Lait all the way! To paraphrase Big Sam of Big Sam's Funky Nation, it's almost impossible to make a bad decision about Jazz Fest food, but especially so if that decision is to go with the Cochon de Lait Po-Boy).   ... Read more

Today at Jazz Fest: Thursday, May 2

Thu, 05/02/13

Authored by:  David Stafford

Here are a few things of note happening today at Jazz Fest: Roy Ayers Interview by WWOZ's Melissa “Soul Sister” Weber, 2:30 - 3:15 on the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage, inside the Grandstand Cooking Demo at 3:30pm, at the Culinary Stage in the Grandstand: Lena Prima pre... Read more

Tucson Jazz Institute Wins First Place at Essentially Ellington

Tue, 04/30/13

Authored by:  Jelly Roll Justice

On Sunday night Wynton Marsalis proudly announced the high school jazz bands that took the highest honors at the prestigious 18th Annual Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival (EE). After a packed three days of mentoring, jam sessions, and workshops, EE culminated wit... Read more