It’s 50 years of the greatest party in America.
Springsteen’s in it. Pitbull’s in it.
But the real star is New Orleans itself.
Thanks to my yoga friend, Aubrey, who goes every year, and so I had to see what it was all about. T
Trailer for “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story”
You Can’t Make This Sh!t Up
- Katy Perry belted out the gospel hymn “Oh, Happy Day” in a skin-tight bodysuit alongside church-robed Gospel Soul Children. Only at Jazz Fest can pop spectacle crash into sacred tradition so seamlessly.
- Bruce Springsteen closed his post-Katrina Jazz Fest set in 2006 with “My City of Ruins,” and the crowd turned into a sea of waving hands and tears—an emotional rebirth moment for New Orleans.
My Review of “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story”
The Setup
This 2022 doc celebrates the 50th anniversary of Jazz Fest, weaving archival footage, live performances, and interviews. It’s as much about gumbo, Mardi Gras Indians, and second line parades as it is about music. It pulls together half a century of the Big Easy’s resilience, joy, and culture.
More Highlights from the Doc
- Jimmy Buffett explains how he built an entire career off his first Jazz Fest set—“Margaritaville” was practically born in New Orleans.
- At the 50th Jazz Fest in 2019, every single Marsalis family musician—Ellis Sr., Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo, Jason—played together for the last time. Ellis Sr. passed away from COVID in 2020.
- Footage of Mahalia Jackson spontaneously joining Duke Ellington in 1970 sets the tone for the whole doc—unrehearsed magic is the Jazz Fest way.
- New Orleans bounce music takes the stage with Big Freedia, showing how the festival embraces tradition and the city’s cutting-edge sounds.
- Archival footage of Mardi Gras Indian tribes in hand-sewn feather suits highlights the blend of African, Native, and Creole culture that makes Jazz Fest unique.
- The film doesn’t ignore hardship—Hurricane Katrina nearly ended Jazz Fest, but its comeback became a symbol of the city’s survival.
Watch “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story”
You can watch “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story” on Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV and more.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 97/100 (Users); 93/100 (Critics)
Director’s Note: Directed by Frank Marshall (yes, the Hollywood legend behind “Raiders of the Lost Ark”) and Ryan Suffern. Marshall has produced blockbusters for decades, but here he turns his lens on the city that gave America its soundtrack.
Release Date: May 13, 2022 (Theatrical); now streaming.
Wrap Up
If you want two hours that feel like dancing in a parade with a beer in hand, this is it. It’s not just a concert doc—it’s the story of a city refusing to lose its rhythm.
Thanks for reading!
Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc