So where do we begin to talk about the glories of Jazz Fest? We guess this issue says it all: our biggest and best (at least we hope you think so) yet. Jazz Fest is Christmas time for all music lovers in the city…a veritable orgy of the stuff, along with food, good feelings and an abundance of the laid-back attitude that attracts so many people to town during the Fest.

In fact, there have been so many visitors coming to town lately that the Jazz Fest folks have done a very wise thing: they’ve freed up the infield of the Fair Grounds for more strolling, picnicking and music-listening by moving some of the action indoors to the grandstands. So, for the first time, if you want to enjoy the creature comforts of shade and a real seat under your butt (instead of dust), you’ll have your options.

The Music Heritage Tent was moved inside too, which we think will be nicer for interviewing some of the great musicians at the Fest.

Well, let’s see…both Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville are cutting new albums at Ultrasonic (Peter Asher’s producing Linda’s, and Linda’s producing Aaron’s…just all in the family!). Other studios in New Orleans are booked solid these days…all are gearing up for more work, with the attention that’s been focused on New Orleans.

Southlake’s still planning a big move to downtown New Orleans with their fancy new equipment. Steve Himelfarb, Southlake’s engineer, tells us the studio’s been very involved in some rap albums, in the pre-production for the Radiators’ new album, soundtrack production and “Starsearch” auditions. Knight Studio’s also being gutted and totally upgraded. Knight’s recently hosted Donnie York, formerly of Sha Na Na, and New Orleans R&B great Frankie Ford is in the studio doing some work on another album. Rounder Records is putting out hit after New Orleans hit, with some of the newest releases being Johnny Adams’ new album Walking on a Tightrope and George Porter, Jr.’s Runnin’ Partner. Both fine, fine albums.

WGBH Radio is producing live broadcasts of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (“New Orleans Live!”) in conjunction with local stations WWNO and WWOZ. The broadcast won’t only include the music, but the real “sound” and “feel” of the Fest, as only WGBH can do.

The Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation recently announced the establishment of a Heritage School of Music. A possible lead-in to NOCCA, the school will start with the basics of music instruction for fifth and sixth graders and will be directed on the Southern University campus by jazzman Edward “Kidd” Jordan.

Rick Olivier will display his “Musical Pictures” of New Orleans at the Hotel InterContinental gallery from April 21^st through May. “Rico’s” photos are definitely worth a look, and you’ll have a glimpse of some of his work in this month’s magazine.

Other news, not related to Jazz Fest. On Sunday May 6, Flagons on Magazine Street is hosting a special performance of WASO, a “gypsy swing” group with elements of flamenco, Spanish and Russian…Covenant House will hold a special fundraiser “Rampart Ramble” at the Orpheum Theatre on May 25. The theme of the fundraiser is the history of New Orleans music and the production will star Charmaine Neville, Wanda Rouzan, Germaine Bazzle, Becky Allen and Juanita Brooks (both of whom are appearing in Nunsense) and many others…the New Orleans Jazz Club presents their annual party at Bourbon Street Gospel & Blues from 1 to 5 p.m. on May 3 with Andrew Hall’s Society Jazz Band and Borderland Jazz Band from West Germany. Ticket sales benefit NOCCA.

But enough of this stuff…read on through OffBeat, pick out your favorite Jazz Fest artists…And enjoy!