JOIN US!
Thursday, January 23 | 7-10PM
Mississippi Heritage Park & the Sugar Mill
Let the good times roll at our fun and festive welcome reception. Part jazz fest, part bayou bash — with all the flair of NOLA — rolled into one unforgettable event! You won't want to miss out!
Network with fellow dealers, OEMs, exhibitors and industry affiliates, as you:
- Enjoy a taste of New Orleans, from po'boys and jambalaya to bourbon and beignets!
- Experience jazz where jazz was born. Revel in the music of Grammy Award winner Trombone Shorty!
- Be entertained by alligator handlers, tarot card readers and so much more!
WHAT TO WEAR: "NOLA FLAIR!"
Think festive and colorful, reflective of New Orleans' rich culture. Whether you go for a classic look or something more extravagant — add a twist with jazz-inspired accessories, bold prints or elegant nods to Mardi Gras!
DID YOU KNOW?
Trombone Shorty made his first appearance at Jazz Fest at age 4, performing with Bo Diddley; at six, he led his own brass band; and as a teenager, toured with Lenny Kravitz. Since 2010, he’s released four chart-topping studio albums; and has worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pharrell, Bruno Mars, the Foo Fighters, Zac Brown and Ringo Starr, just to name a few. In 2022, he won his first Grammy Award.
NOLA IS THE BIRTHPLACE OF JAZZ
Key elements of jazz music: improvisation, a swing rhythm, blue notes and a fusion of styles.
CAJUN VS. CREOLE
Cajun cuisine celebrates local influences, whereas Creole reflects New Orleans' more diverse cultural heritage.
WHO'S IN YOUR KREWE?
Mardi Gras floats are often designed and built by secretive groups called "krewes." Floats can weigh up to 21 tons!
THAT VOODOO YOU DO
Often sensationalized in popular culture, Voodoo dolls are primarily used for healing and protection.
HOW TO GET THERE
It's conveniently located across the street from the convention center. Get a free shuttle ride to/from NADA official hotels
