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It’s severe clear. A few puffy cumulus clouds below me. I’m level at 10,000 feet. I’ve just crossed the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain after departing New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW), headed to the Springdale Municipal Airport (KASG).
I type a line, scan the instruments, and listen to ATC. There’s music in the background. Like most flights, my copilot is asleep next to me. Naturally, there’s a headwind, but it’s smooth. Flight time home is planned at 02:45.
I’ve left two very good friends at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. They were staying to watch Lenny Kravitz, but my wife and I had to be home a bit earlier. We both hated to miss Lenny. Thankfully, we had seen him at a previous fest.
It’s thanks to our friends that my wife and I made this particular trip. We had planned on being home this weekend. But about a week ago, Marc texted and said he and Carmen had a weekend where neither of them were on call. He suggested we find a spot to visit. He’s a pilot as well, and flies a C182. I fly a Cirrus SR22T.
Marc and Carmen live in Tampa, Florida. My wife and I live in Springdale, Arkansas. So, we each drew some “single tank of gas” circles and discussed possible places to meet. With the range and capabilities of our aircraft, we had a lot of options. Would it be the beach, the East Coast mountains, or some out-of-the-way strip? I glanced at the calendar and realized it was the first weekend of May—which meant it was the second weekend of Jazz Fest. It quickly became our choice.
My first Jazz Fest was in 1978. I haven’t gone every year, but I’ve been more times than I can count. It was to be Marc and Carmen’s first. If you have never been, please put the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May on your calendar. Those are the weekends of the Fest, and you won’t be sorry for attending.
If you need a reason to go, the music should be sufficient. The genres represented are vast: jazz, blues, gospel, zydeco, country, rock, funk, rap, and more. There are multiple stages and tents with music playing from 11:00 to 19:00. It’s the musical equivalent of 31 flavors. A list here of musicians would not do justice to the talented artists who play there. Just go to the official web page and you’ll be amazed at all the different performers you can see in a single weekend.
If music isn’t your thing, then go for the food. The vendors are all talented Louisiana cooks—seafood, pork, beef, chicken, veggies—every food group is represented. All cooked with a New Orleans or South Louisiana character. You’ll find something there that’s the best festival food, and perhaps the best food in general, you’ve ever had. Marc has a friend who commented, “Even if my seeing and hearing were bad, I’d still go to Jazz Fest for the food.”
If you don’t like music or food, go for the crafts. Artisans from all over the country bring jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and clothing to sell. We’ve found some of the coolest, most unique items browsing their booths. Even if you don’t break out your wallet, you’ll be amazed by the myriad of talents in one place.
Finally, if none of that is your vibe, go for the city. The Fest brings in a lot of tourists, but not so many that you can’t enjoy all the city has to offer. My wife and I love walking through the French Quarter before and after festival hours. We’ve always been able to get into the restaurants of our choosing. The temps are mild and the humidity isn’t too bad.
As a pilot, it’s an easy trip. KNEW is under the New Orleans International Airport (KMSY) Bravo, but New Orleans isn’t as busy as many Bravos. The controllers have always been very accommodating. Upon arrival at KNEW, there are several FBOs to choose from. We always use Flightline First. They have a great facility in which to relax, fuel prices are reasonable, and they don’t charge an event fee for the Fest. Lastly, they’ve always been able to find some hangar space—just in case a thunderstorm comes through.
There’s a good restaurant on the field, if you’re so inclined. From KNEW, it’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown hotels and the French Quarter. So you can be at some amazing restaurants soon after touchdown. If you just want to do a single day at the Fest, it’s about a 15–20 minute ride to the Fairgrounds where it’s held.
So, now I’m headed back home. My wife is still sleeping. The music is still playing. I’m on my fourth ATC frequency. An hour and a half to go. Just a few days ago, I wasn’t planning to leave home. But on very short notice, my wife and I were able to grab a bag, throw our things together without worrying about fluids, gels, etc., head to the airport, and depart. We had a wonderful weekend with our friends. Then we were able to leave on our own schedule for home. All without TSA, long lines, parking fees, and everything else.
General aviation creates opportunities that other modes of transportation can’t provide.
By the way, Marc and Carmen loved the Fest. I can’t wait to hear about Lenny’s show. We’ll likely return again next year—with more planning and a few more days to take it all in. I’m sure Marc and Carmen will fly themselves, as will we. Hopefully, the trip will be another reason we all fly.
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What a great trip and a great article. Can’t wait to plan our next adventure…Destin??
I love Sandestin! For the tennis, bikes and “30A”
Thank you! Sounds like fun!