French Quarter Festival starts today, with hundreds of Louisiana musicians and a multitude of local food providers.
The annual festival of Louisiana music and food has grown from three to four days, and has exploded with talent.
"We've got over 270 local musical acts playing on 20 stages," festival president and CEO Emily Madero told WWL's Newell Normand. And of course there is almost as much food.
"Food is also a major part of any Louisiana festival or fair," said Madero.
It is the 40th annual festival, and day one caps off with a performance by Irma Thomas on the riverfront's Abita Beer stage, followed by fireworks over the river.
"Miss Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans, on the Abita Beer stage, that's the last set on the riverfront, and that will be followed by a fireworks show," Madero said. "If you're anywhere on the Riverfront, hopefully you'll be at French Quarter Festival, but even if you're on the Westbank or anywhere in the quarter, look up at about eight o'clock and you should have a beautiful display to enjoy."