Solo Festing
Some people prefer taking long walks alone, going to the movies by themselves, or dining solo. Others would never dream of attending an event or a party without a partner or group.
Yet, misanthropes and gregarious types alike seem to thrive solo at Jazz Fest. Regardless whether one identifies as an introvert or extrovert, there are a wide variety of personalities who prefer going to Jazz Fest alone. The festival provides such an exceptional plethora of music, food, arts and culture in one place, that it is often more enjoyable—and efficient—to fest solo.
Going by yourself to Jazz Fest allows a different level of freedom and attentiveness that doesn't happen when accompanied by friends or family. You can enjoy the company of thousands of strangers, without ever having to explain, negotiate, or wait. It may just be one of the few places left on Earth where you can truly be footloose and fancy free.
"Solo Jazz Festing is sanctuary." —Adina Maria DeFelice
"Going wherever your mood takes you in the moment without having to get consensus? Absolutely. Go with the flow and see what happens. This is the NOLA way." —Roberta Carrow Jackson
"I've always been a Jazz Fest loner. It's the best way to see who you want, eat what you want, and move about in your own time." —Jeanne Vidrine
"I'm a fan of me and my backpack rather than a pack of people." —Jennifer Kelley Killian
A Music Lover's Utopia
Some of the most fiercely solipsistic Jazz Fest attendees mention music first and foremost as the reason they attend without companions. You can create your own "live playlist" and chart your own musical map. You can stay as long or as little as you like at whatever stage strikes your mood. You are more likely to get that good seat at certain tents and more likely to become one with the music.
For the serious music lover and listener, it's simply the only way to attend.
"I want to hear the music and not chit chat or critique. It's faster to move about and you can veer off impulsively without explaining. Music is the entryway to my joy, and that's why I go, not to socialize." —Kate Fagan
"It's easier to take it all in when you're not in dialogue about what you're doing." —Sierra Kay
Timing is Everything
Anyone who has gone on a family vacation understands that traveling with others means compromise. When you fest alone, you are solely responsible for your own rhythms, needs, and physical limitations. You need not apologize, "hold it," nor feel embarrassed or self-conscious for sitting, standing, or staying too long or too little. Freedom's just another word for nothing left to explain.
"I love going solo because I dance from stage to stage without someone bitching about walking too much. I also enjoy going solo because I run into people I haven't seen in years and can hang with them a few hours then float away to see others."
—Carolina Gallop
Being Alone is Not Lonely
Festivals are communities. Seeing others and being seen fulfills one of our most basic human needs. We can be alone with others and dance to a shared, unspoken rhythm in unity without knowing anyone's name, politics, or plans after the set ends.
It's nearly impossible to avoid seeing someone you know or meeting a new friend while at Jazz Fest.
"I divide my Jazz Fest days between some spent with friends and others alone. I often have a strict agenda about who I want to see, which may not be fun for others." —Shannan Cvitanovic
"Jazz Fest is such a rich experience. I don't want to get stuck some place I'm not enjoying myself. That said, I love bumping into pals and hanging out with them for acts we both want to see, or, on those rare occasions when there's no one I particularly want to see, I'm happy to follow someone else's plan." —Brian Sands
Linger as Long as You Like in the Arts, Crafts, & Culture Booths, Demos, and Talks
"I always run into my people out there, so it's the best of both worlds. It's also great for the craft section because you can browse around at your own pace." —Peggy King Bruce
Sometimes your companion isn't keen on looking at artwork or listening to an interview, no matter how deliciously air conditioned it is inside. When you go solo, you can chat with that photographer whose work made you pause and listen to an interview to your heart's content.
"I might organically meet up with friends later, but I love the ritual of getting inside the fest early, walking over to grab some food at the shortest line, saying hello to artist friends at their booths, then wandering around the Fair Grounds with my Jazz Fest app to guide me." —Lesley Vance Kane
Soloing Jazz Fest is not for everyone, but it is something everyone should try, even if it's just for the duration of your visit to a faraway stage, restroom, or food booth. Once you experience 10 minutes or two hours of alone time among thousands, you may find that you prefer to be a "Jazz Fest loner," at least occasionally.
