We’re all looking for zen these days.  Between the rising cost, pressures at work, chauffeuring kids back and forth between basketball practice and piano lessons, even the most organized, put-together-like-a-million-bucks person can get frazzled.  After all, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” William Congreve.  Written in 1697, these words still ring true today. (Congreve also coined the phrase “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned. Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.”  But that is for another post.)

Humans often sing softly to babies to lull them to sleep.  They sing when happy because it feels good.  In fact, there have been studies to document that music and singing really do make people happier.  Music can stimulate the body to produce serotonin which is a happiness hormone; therefore, your mood is elevated.

If you are feeling a little blue, have I got the cure for you!  Later this month is the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest. The festival which runs from April 27 through May 6, 2012, is a music lover’s dream.  The festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Every type of music played in the state will be represented.  From jazz, blues, cajun, R&B, Zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rap, rock, country, bluegrass, and beyond is represented in the yearly festival.

Started in the 1970 by the New Orleans Hotel Motel Association, the festival finally became an annual event. In previous years, several organizations held similar jazz festivals, but The New Orleans Jazz Fest gathered a following and backing and became a huge draw for tourists rivaled only by Mardi Gras.   A spontaneous jam session with Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington, and the Eureka Brass Band sparked the “symbol of authenticity of the celebration that was destined to become a cultural force.” This spontaneous concert began years of discussion and planning for what would eventually become the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest.

The concept was pure New Orleans/Louisiana.  A festival with many stages to showcase the indigenous music styles and, of course, Louisiana cuisine, along with an arts and crafts festival, and an evening concert series.  The first headliners of the festival were Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington.  Other performers included Pete Fountain, Al Hirt, Clifton Chenier, Fats Domino, and The Meters  The Preservation Hall Band, parades every day with The Olympia Brass Band and Mardi Gras Indians, and many others.  New Orleans was decided to host the event since it had the richest musical heritage in America, and was the only choice.

From a humble 350 attendees (half which were the performers), the festival has grown to entertain thousands of music enthusiasts.  The festival now has 12 stages of music, arts and crafts booths, as well as many food booths for attendees.  The festival was described by the Wall Street Journal  “showcases a wider, deeper lineup of essential American musical styles than any festival in the nation.”

This year proves to be the best ever, with such performers as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Foo Fighters, The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Reunion, Zac Brown Band, The Neville Brothers, Al Green,Herbie Hancock, Dr. John and the Lower 911, and many, many other great performers.  You can see the entire list here.

While you are visiting New Orleans, you should also take part in other Louisiana celebrations.  April 28-29, 2012 marks Louisiana’s Bicentennial.  You can view some celebrations on the Baton Rouge website.

Whether you are looking for a short weekend trip to New Orleans, or to spend a week or so in Louisiana, start your trip off refreshed and relaxed.  Stay at a ParkSleepFly.com hotel the night before you fly.  You will receive a night’s stay, parking for the duration of your trip, and shuttle service to and from the airport terminal.  I always use ParkSleepFly.com before I travel to New Orleans.  I don’t’ want to miss a beat of the music by missing my flight or feeling tired.  I’ll be in the front row of the Springsteen concert. See you there!