Jazzfest Pic of the Day: Indians and Brass Bands

One of my favorite stages at Jazzfest is the Jazz and Heritage Stage..also known as the "Indian Stage","Brass Band Stage" or the "Second Line Stage". As you can tell from the various names this is where each day during Fest you are sure to see Indians  and Brass Bands; it is also the jumping off point for both the Mardi Gras Indian and SecondLine parades that happen throughout the day on the festival grounds. If you want to experience New Orleans music and  culture firsthand this is the place to be. While it does not quite capture the excitement of a brass band in a club, or on the street as part of a second line; and the Indians are not in the "wild" of the streets, it's the next best thing for folks who may not have the opportunity to be in town to chase a secondline on one of the 42 (!) Sundays of the official New Orleans second line season or to see the Indians out in the street on Super Sunday or St. Josephs nite. The picture is not my usual vantage point- I took this either leaving or approaching the stage. I like getting right up close in order to really feel and appreciate the power of the brass bands, the beauty of the Indian suits and to feel the energy, joy and excitement eminating from the stage from the performers and supporting cast of characters that invariably show up to sing, dance and "act the fool" along with the band or tribe up onstage. Yeah you right...