Every once in a while a documentary comes along that is a breath of fresh air, Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story is that documentary this year, giving us quite the cultural experience of a lifetime that needs to be on the big screen. Releasing via Sony Pictures Classics, which has given us a few hidden gems over the past couple of years. Jazz Fest is no easy feat to accomplish, it is telling us 50 years of history in under two hours, with many musicians giving their introspective on what Jazz Fest means to them including musical giants Bruce Springsteen and Pitbull.

Jazz Fest is not just about the awe-inspiring music, it includes the early days of the planning of the festival and the Louisiana food you cannot get anywhere else in the world that will make your mouth drool puddles. Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story will also introduce you to a lot of artists you may not be familiar with including Boyfriend, Samantha Fish, and Ted Beniot. Then it has the legendary appearances from Aaron Nevile who opened up Jazz Fest after Katrina. Al Green, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffet, Earth Wind and Fire, B.B. King, and Irma Thomas.
Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story is one of the best documentaries of the year by a long shot. If you’re worn out by true-crime taking over the documentary genre, then you will have tons of fun with Jazz Fest which is sure to be a classic among many years to come and is this year’s Summer of Soul. Check it out!
Overall Grade: 3.5/5 stars
Written By: AJ Friar
