To read this article in Spanish, click Jazz Fest Celebra a Colombia

Jazz Fest’s 2024 Expedia Cultural Exchange explores Colombia’s vibrant musical and cultural legacy. It marks the largest exchange in the festival’s history, with nearly 200 Colombian artists participating.

Notable Colombian representatives include Bomba Estéreo on April 27, ChocQuibTown’s Goyo with an exceptional performance alongside local band ÌFÉ on April 28, and the iconic Grupo Niche closing the festival on May 5.

Enjoy the Chirimía rhythm with Rancho Apart and the traditional marimba with Agrupación Changó the first weekend. Kombilesa Mi will perform on April 27 and 28, mixing traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms with rap in Spanish and Palenquero, the language of Palenque, the first town of free blacks in America.

The second weekend brings the winners from the prestigious Petronio Álvarez Festival, Matachindé, and the marimba fusion group Bejuco. The Caribbean fusion arrives with the Creole Group from San Andrés on May 3 and 4.

Don’t miss cumbia, salsa, joropo, and champeta, with performances like salsa clash  from Cali's Jacobo Vélez y la Mambanegra. In addition, the joropo of Cimarrón and the indigenous music with the Millo flute of Joaquín Pérez y su Herencia Ancestral with the rhythms of the Barranquilla Carnival on the first weekend; Lucio Feuillet will represent the city of Pasto’s Black and White Carnival on the second weekend.

The cultural exchange area will showcase Colombian crafts, including backpacks, baskets, jewelry, violins, marimbas, and more, from more than 18 artisans.

We must remember the Colombian flavors! Café Carmo of New Orleans, in collaboration with chef José Blanco of Waska, will serve Colombian street delicacies, such as a refreshing ceviche. On May 3, guest chef Francisco Escalona Forth will present recipes from various regions, such as San Andrés crab stew and Cocoloco. Do not miss the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and its celebration of Colombia!