“Musicians from Colombia to Perform at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival”

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is making a return this weekend for its second installment of the year. Established in 1970, this festival is regarded as one of the biggest music festivals in the United States, drawing in around 250,000 attendees during the first weekend, who enjoyed a mix of delectable food and exceptional music. This year, the festival is showcasing nearly 200 artists from Colombia as part of a cultural exchange between the festival and the South American country.

For music journalist Betto Arcos, attending the festival has been a long-time dream, and the inclusion of Colombia as the guest country this year finally prompted him to make the trip. He had the opportunity to witness amazing performances from groups like Agrupación Changó, an 11-piece ensemble hailing from the port city of Tumaco.

Arcos highlights the significance of Colombia’s Pacific coast, noting the region’s history of enduring violence. Despite the challenges, Afro-Colombian communities have persevered and bloomed culturally, particularly through music.

Some of the standout performances from the festival include Jacobo Velez y La Mambanegra, Gaita Loop, Kombilesa Mi, Joaquín Pérez y su Herencia Ancestral, and Agrupación Changó, all of whom showcased the rich musical traditions of Colombia.

The vibrant sounds and rhythms of Colombia’s music added a unique flair to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, enriching the experience for all attendees.