New Orleans jazz

When New Orleans gives itself the annual pat on the back for being the home of jazz, at least one group of New Zealanders will be there.

The next New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be held from April 25 to May 3 and will be a huge party for the public to celebrate the city and all it has to offer.

The founder of the Waiheke Island of Jazz Festival and former resident of New Orleans, David Paquette, who has not missed a New Orleans festival in 32 years, will guide a tour during the next festival, with Herald music journalist and radio host Graham Reid.

The cost is $5999 a person, twin share, which includes return airfares from Auckland and six nights' accommodation, a weekend jazz pass, walking Voodoo tour, city tour, Jazz cruise, Cajun Queen swamp and bayou tour, and the services of the tour hosts.

Contact: travel agent or Gullivers Events in Auckland on (09) 307 8640.