Photos by Marc Millman

It’s that time of year again in New Orleans – not talking about Christmas. No, it’s time for the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which returned to the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots last weekend and is set to kick off weekend two today.

The first weekend saw the fairground’s 10 stages alive with dozens of acts, including pop sensation Lizzo, Led Zeppelin co-founder Robert Plant, and Wu-Tang Clan teaming up with The Soul Rebels. And though tough choices had to be made, as music lovers had to decide between catching Mavis Staples or any number of other legendary performers, Jazz Fest ensured one really couldn’t go wrong.

The intermittent rain on Saturday didn’t keep the crowds away, as they turned out for international pop star Ed Sheeran and other greats like Steve Miller Band and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, along with the funky inclinations of Cory Wong and powerhouse vocals of Samantha Fish, the glinting horns of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and more.

As weekend one of Jazz Fest 2023 drew to a close on Sunday, local favorites Dumpstaphunk, Cyrill Neville, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, and a host of other talented artists delivered unforgettable performances to cap off an amazing few days of music.

These local heavy hitters were in good company, having shared the stage with top acts like Tedeschi Trucks Band, Kenny Loggins, Jill Scott, Jamie Cullum, and Marcus King, who commanded the biggest stages and left audiences spellbound with their electrifying performances. It’s clear that the first weekend of Jazz Fest 2023 has set the bar high, as is tradition, and fans are eagerly anticipating what the second weekend will bring.

Photographer Marc Millman captured the action from weekend one below.

Friday, April 28

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Sunday, April 30