Jazz Fest at 50: All the Photos

It was a splendid Jazz Fest, and for all eight days, WWOZ’s volunteer photographers were on the spot, capturing the moments that make Jazz Fest so memorable. The proof is in the photos: music, food, and atmosphere in luscious detail. Here are three collections of fabulous shots from the 2019 edition of the world's greatest music festival.

» Best of Jazz Fest 2019

» Jazz Fest Fashion

» Mardi Gras Indians and SA&PCs

Jazz Fest Thank-yous

A tip of the hat to everyone who made this year's Jazz Fest a smashing success. During our Jazz Fest broadcast (carried by stations nationwide) and other activities at the Fair Grounds, we rely on every member of our staff and many dozens of volunteers. On any individual day we had over 80 people on location working in the hospitality tent, at our will call booth, or in broadcast operations & programming, photography, digital, Mango Freeze, and administration.

» Shout outs all around!

Summer Fun: Festivals & Events

"Festival Season" is technically over, but fear not, because there's a whole summer season of entertaining events around south Louisiana. Check out our list of the many music festivals and other diversions in and around New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana this summer. And remember, you're not sweating, you're glowing.

» Summer fest and events

Volunteer Profile: James "Chali" Jones

Chali Jones has been a faithful and devoted volunteer for WWOZ for about 2 years. Originally from Atlanta, he studied English and performing arts at the University of Kentucky and learned about WWOZ from his wife, a NOLA native. Chali is semi-retired and mostly focused on promoting his memoir Backstreets—They Didn’t See Us Cry about growing up in a tough neighborhood. He also participates in an outreach program that encourages and empowers young men incarcerated in Alexandria, LA. As for volunteering at WWOZ, Chali says, "I love being in and around this environment because of my love for the performing arts." Thanks, Chali!

» Volunteer at WWOZ

Show Host Profile: Father Ron Clingenpeel

Father Ron Clingenpeel, an Episcopalian priest and a musician who performs with his band Fr. Ron and Friends, has been a WWOZ volunteer since 2011 and a substitute show host since 2012. He's a volunteer because he believes in music, musicians, and has a "high regard" for our mission. "I don’t think we realize how important OZ is to this community," says Fr. Ron. "I DO love this station. I talk about it wherever I go!" This year, in addition to spinning records, he helped coordinate volunteers in the WWOZ Hospitality Tent during Jazz Fest. Thank you for all you do, Fr. Ron!

» WWOZ Program Schedule

Marion Eats

In lieu of a recipe this month, we wanted to share a collection of food photos from Jazz Fest, which according to some people, is actually a food festival at which you can hear some pretty good music. We recruited Marion Hill, our Assistant Video Director, to explore some of the hundreds of food options at Jazz Fest. It's tough work, but someone's gotta do it! Marion's Top 3 picks from what she sampled: Caribbean Fish; Pheasant, Quail & Andouille Gumbo; Crawfish Enchilada.

» Marion Eats photos essay