The full name of the festival is the "New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival". They expanded years ago to include Gospel, Blues, Cajun, Rock, etc.
I went to the Festival several times in the '80s. It was a blast! They had about 8 stages performing music. You could wonder from stage to stage and enjoy a variety of music, while enjoying some of the fantastic food.
Don't know how the festival is after Katrina, but if its like the festivals of old, you definitely should visit.
Last weekend of April, and first weekend of May. More stages and larger than ever since the flood. Different tents for all musical tastes. Music starts at 11:00 am and ends at 7:00 pm. The food is reasonably priced, and is some of the best N.O. has to offer. Last year’s attendance was it’s highest ever. The big name acts are on the 2 big stages that flank the oval racetrack, but in between are many smaller stages with music for just about every musical taste. I love to wander around a stop at one of the smaller stages and discover something new. My favorite place to stop and get out of the sun for awhile is the Gospel Tent. but I have many fond memories at the big stages also. I saw Stevie Ray Vaughan there for probably his last show. Amazing! Ya’ll come on back. We love our Jazz Festers!!