New Orleans: The Alternative Jazz Fest

While hundreds of thousands of tourists were at bars on Bourbon Street the night before the second weekend of New Orlean's biggest festival, those in the know were already dancing to live music and lining up at food trucks in a backyard tucked away from the madness.

Chaz Fest (named after rockin' washboard player and neighborhood celebrity Chaz Leary) was started several years ago by local musicians who were tired of competing for a performance slot at Jazz Fest. They took matters into their own hands and set up an event just for New Orleans-based bands without the hype and expensive ticket prices.

 A group of neighbors living in a series of colorful, quaint houses got on board. They transformed the space behind their properties into what feels like an intimate park. Oaks, Magnolias and Banana plants break up the space into nooks decorated with lawn chairs and ripped up antique furniture.

                                       

Christmas lights are draped between the trees giving the festival a whimsical vibe as children run around the yard playing, locals of all ages in funky, vintage clothing lie in the grass lighting up joints and friends of the performers dance near the stage.

If you get hungry there's about three or four melt in your mouth creole specialities for sale. There's also a full bar and coffee stand serving up a local brew and fresh cream out of a glass jug.

For people that love music festivals, but are sick of the big crowds and steep prices, Chaz Fest is where it's at. Just show up, buy a ticket for thirty bucks and you can spend the day picnicing in a wooded oasis listening to some of the best local musicians in New Orleans.