New Orleans prepares for its most celebrated musical pilgrimage—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For two magical weekends spanning April 24-27 and May 1-4, 2025, the Fair Grounds Race Course will transform into a cultural epicenter where music, cuisine, crafts, and heritage converge in a celebration that has defined Louisiana's cultural identity for over five decades.

In a city renowned for its musical heritage, few events capture the spirit of New Orleans quite like the Jazz and Heritage Festival. And when two musical titans like the Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas share the stage, magic is bound to happen. At the 2024 edition of the festival, these iconic artists came together for a historic performance that left audiences spellbound and reaffirmed New Orleans' status as the soulful heart of American music.

While the exact origin may be unclear, "The Big Easy" has become a beloved and widely accepted nickname for New Orleans, evoking a sense of the city's vibrant and leisurely atmosphere. The nickname reflects the rich cultural heritage, music scene, and the generally easygoing lifestyle that characterizes New Orleans.