How many reading this will experience their very first French Quarter Festival this year?

Just in the last week or so, I’ve received five emails from people from outside Louisiana who will be going to their first French Quarter Fest. Some have been to Jazz Fest, but for others, this will be their first experience with a major New Orleans music festival.

I like to tell people that they are both very different events. Both have local music and both have a unique vibe. It’s super to be able to sit out on the riverfront or roam the Quarter at the French Quarter Fest. It’s another thing entirely to enter the Fairgrounds’ universe of Jazz Fest.

We’re lucky to be able to have such huge well-run events that showcase our music, food, culture and art to the world. Too bad they’re so close together!

This year, one of French Quarter Fest’s two posters was designed by folk artist Simon Hardeveldt (we’ve used his poster motif on this month’s cover). The Jazz Fest poster was designed by artist Frenchy. Neither of the artists are New Orleans natives, but their work has become as ubiquitous as the Blue Dog, which is good since art is just as much a draw as music to many. It’s easy to make it here if your work lights a fire in the native population.

We’ve tried to make our “French Quarter Fest IQ” more convenient this year. Go to our responsive website, OffBeat.com, and you’ll see a link to stage schedules and information for all performers during French Quarter Festival. This is as we move OffBeat more into the digital atmosphere. We’re also putting together some surprises for our upcoming Jazz Fest Bible, and our second May issue that will focus on Bayou Boogaloo in Mid-City the weekend of May 16. The great festivals just keep on coming.

One last note: the new developer of the World Trade building on the river was announced today. Sadly, the proposed development does not include anything remotely related to a music museum. It’s a pity that at this iconic location will be just another hotel.