'Totally ready for it ' New Orleanians dream of Jazz Fest's return “For Jazz Fest, I personally miss it not just as a musician, but as a participant someone who loves the experience of Jazz Fest,” Author: Paul Murphy / Eyewitness News Published: 5:58 PM CDT April 22, 2021 Updated: 8:10 PM CDT April 22, 2021 NEW ORLEANS — Paul Sanchez and John Rankin have gotten together once a week during the pandemic to play music and sing songs. In a normal year, instead of Rankin’s front porch, they would be at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival either performing on stage or enjoying opening day of the fest.