New Orleans Jazz & Heritage (Jazzfest) 2017

About:
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazzfest, is an annual music and cultural festival held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. It was first held in 1970 as a one-time event to celebrate the city's 250th anniversary but has since become an annual event that draws hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was founded by George Wein, a jazz promoter who had previously founded the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island. Wein was approached by local New Orleans businessman and music lover, Allison Miner, who proposed the idea of a jazz festival in New Orleans.

Famous For:
Jazzfest is known for showcasing famous and emerging artists from a variety of genres, including jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, as well as contemporary stars like Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and the Rolling Stones.

Creation Purpose:
The festival has also become an important cultural institution, showcasing both famous and emerging artists and preserving the rich musical traditions of New Orleans for future generations.

Fun Facts:
Jazzfest is also famous for its crafts vendors, who sell everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to traditional Mardi Gras masks and costumes.

The festival is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, which was originally built in 1872 as a horse racing track.

The festival has inspired a number of other music festivals around the world, including the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Impact on the Music Industry:
Jazzfest has provided a platform for many musicians to launch their careers, particularly those from New Orleans and Louisiana. Over the years, many artists who got their start at Jazzfest have gone on to achieve national and international fame, including Trombone Shorty, Harry Connick Jr., and the Neville Brothers.