“Guardians Of The Groove”
New Orleans JazzFest
The Calm Before the Storm
By John Mikeska
The days before Jazzfest in New Orleans are marked by excited and nervous energies that are reminiscent of the proverbial “calm before the storm”. A proverb that takes on metaphorical, literal, and ironic sentiments given the ominous weather forecast for the weekend.
They literal and metaphorical interpretations are much more obvious than noteworthy. That being said, that irony reveals itself in the convivial demeanour of the community surrounding this historic event. The less than favorable forecast functions as an afterthought in their collective conscience. Sure, you may need to plan accordingly and bring the appropriate rain gear, but aside from that — the conversations I’ve held so far regarding the impending weather go something like this; “Hey, did you hear its supposed to rain this weekend? Yeah, I heard we might get some weather so I’m going to head out early. Let me know if you need a ride. Are you going to the latenight show?” Just like that, asked and answered. Each potential isn’t necessarily seen as an obstacle. More like a “rung in the ladder” rather than a “bump in the road”. It’s just another part of the process; you ain’t got time to worry, its festival season!!
Jazzfest and all that it has come to represent could only happen here. All the imperfect details add up to an experience that is exceedingly sublime and in no way capable of being contained by gates, turnstiles or demarcations. The spirit lives within the hearts and minds of the enthusiasts who are motivated and inspired by festivals of the past, present, and future. The event itself may last a couple weeks every Spring, but the spirit’s alive all year long as the torch is carried proudly by the “Guardians of the Groove” who call this city home for those sacred springtime-weekends in New Orleans.