Anderson .Paak and Expedia get straight to the soul of New Orleans

Every year, New Orleans bursts into life with a ‘gumbo’ of musical talent from near and far, as part of its annual Jazz Fest (aka NOJF). This year was no different. Held across two weekends at the Fair Grounds race course, the April-to-May festival once again showcased some of the best culture that New Orleans has to offer, building on a diverse range of cultures and influences. As usual, the explosive energy couldn’t be contained in one place, spilling over into the streets via local bars and clubs, where brass bands, trap beats, and buskers’ steel drums could be heard competing for the city’s ear.

In 2024, in fact, the mixing pot was stirred around more than ever, thanks to Expedia’s inaugural year as the Official Travel and Loyalty Partner for NOJF. Centred around an Expedia-exclusive, all-star concert – Global Jam – the partnership enabled anyone and everyone to experience the unique energy of this eclectic blend of global cultures, from young and up-coming musicians, to titans like Anderson .Paak and Bomba Estéreo.

In case you missed it, Global Jam saw a stellar lineup including Anderson .Paak, The Free Nationals, Tank and the Bangas, Bomba Estéreo, Maurice Brown, Rae Khalil, GAWD, the Cha Wa Mardi Gras Indians, and more local talent take to the stage at the city’s Joy Theatre on the festival’s first Friday. Add to that more than 800 guests, spanning local legends and international talent – see: Jon Batiste, Junior Nyong’o, Mannie Fresh, Payton Turner, Karrueche Tran, Robert Glasper, and more – plus of course Expedia members, and you definitely had a night to remember.

Things weren’t just happening up on the stage, though. Behind the scenes, Expedia also organised an inspirational meet-and-greet between Anderson .Paak and 20 young participants from the Jazz and Heritage Foundation’s Brass Band programme, with the potential to spark the next generation of NOLA jazz talent.

“What sets us apart from other organisations is we understand that in order to take care of a culture, you have to take care of the people that make it,” Jonathan Solari, development director at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, told Dazed in the wake of the festivities. “At any point in a person’s life, whether they’re an artist or an audience member, there’s a programme which is designed to meet them where they are.”

Feel like you missed out? Well, this is going to give you even more FOMO; Expedia worked with the Louisiana-born director child. to create a short film, titled A Big Jam in New Orleans, that captures the city and its history, and makes you want to experience its unparalleled blend of music, food, and culture. The love letter to New Orleans features Anderson .Paak alongside local jazz icons like Secondline Jay5, Gregg Stafford, Iman Keilah, Spy Boy Honey, and Queen Ausettua, with insight from local experts to get straight to the city’s authentic musical soul.

The deep-dive into New Orleans culture is also accompanied by local guides from Expedia, shining a spotlight on the city’s best bits – from live performances to delicious local food spots – for festivalgoers and year-round travellers alike. You can explore the unforgettable atmosphere of New Orleans and its incomparable jazz scene through Anderson .Paak’s eyes in the video above.

Feel inspired by the musician’s top travel tips, or the vibrant scenes captured in A Big Jam in New Orleans? Maybe you’re even thinking of planning a trip to next year’s Jazz Fest, for the chance to experience its rich culture for yourself? If so, you can get started via Expedia here.