The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival officially returned after a two-year coronavirus pandemic hiatus. Emotions were high for everyone involved. (Kelly here: I may have got a little verklempt, myself, while walking through the gates on the first Friday, April 29, just thinking about what it means for the city, businesses and festivalgoers.)
We’ve talked before about the ability to say, “I Do,” at the festival, as well as its power to provide the perfect backdrop for a proposal or even a bachelor/ette trip addition.
But, on Friday, we met a couple specifically celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary at Jazz Fest. We interviewed Judy and Bill Lanxner about how Jazz Fest played an integral part in their love story and how Bill’s mom made the ultimate wing woman.
*Note: The interview was conducted in the middle of the festival at the Acura Stage while, we believe, Big Sam’s Funky Nation played in the background. Please excuse the audio quality. There is also a quick synopsis below the video.
One year, Judy happened to meet Bill’s mother – who, in her 80’s, went to Jazz Fest by herself each year – when she sat in an open seat next to her in the Blues Tent. They hit it off and began a long-distant friendship, as Bill’s mom lived in Maryland. After exchanging birthday and Christmas cards, Bill’s mom came back to Jazz Fest with his sister and they met up with Judy. Bill’s sister and his mom decided that Judy and Bill would hit it off. Six years ago, Judy and Bill got married in the French Quarter and then had their “reception” with their entire wedding party/guests at Jazz Fest.
Each year, they celebrate their anniversary where it all started, at the Fairgrounds.
