VIVA NOLA June 2019

economic development
Culture: A Fundamental Part of Economic Development
By Alejandra Guzman
@aleguzman
During April and May, the New Orleans
Jazz and Heritage Festival welcomed
hundreds of thousands of attendees
while hitting its half century mark. This
annual spring event has brought an
array of concerts that expand to every
genre of music. Some of the legendary
artists who have performed throughout
the years include Mahalia Jackson, Stevie
Wonder, Fats Domino, Tina Turner, Ray
Charles, Lenny Kravitz, Tony Bennett,
Tito Puente, and the list continues! A
2019 local favorite was the Queen of
Mayor LaToya Cantrell presents key to the city to
George Wein. Photo: Mayor Cantrel’s Facebook Page.
Bounce Big Freedia. Those in attendance
reported that she was electric.
Another 2019 highlight included Mayor
LaToya Cantrell presenting George Wein
the key to the City acknowledging his
contributions to jazz festivals. Mr. Wein
has been a jazz promoter and producer
and his work has left an undeniable
legacy. He was responsible for the
Newport Jazz Festival, our very own New
Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and
has represented festivals all over the
world.
In 1959, the jazz impresario married
Joyce Alexander Wein, a lady who also
left a great legacy to American culture.
A chemist by profession, Mrs. Wein
started her career as a biochemist at
the Massachusetts General Hospital
in Boston, and later in New York
at Columbia Medical School. In
1963, she joined her husband and
others in founding the Newport Folk
Festival, which is recognized as a
major engine for festival culture. Her
many contributions to society include
establishing the Joyce and George Wein
Professorship Fund in African-American
Studies at Boston University and an
Endowed Scholarship Fund at Simons
College. Mrs. Wein passed away in 2005
leaving an important legacy.
Festivals bring tremendous economic
value, particularly to local businesses
that benefit from the activity, and
visitors driven by the event. For New
Orleans, Jazz Fest also sets the stage for
additional festivals throughout the year
and helps maintain our cultural brand.
What started as a small celebration
of music and culture with just 350
attendees, has become an attraction of
680 musical acts in two weekends, and
contributes $400 million to the city.
To learn more about how culture
contributes to the economy, plan to
attend the New Orleans Business
Alliance’s Annual Meeting on June 27th.
The organization will present how its
work promotes, supports and grows
our culture while focusing on equitable
and inclusive economic development.
The theme of the event is focused on
Economic Development Reimagined
featuring acclaimed international
business leader, Arnold W. Donald, a
New Orleans native who serves as the
president and chief executive officer of
the Carnival Corporation.
For more information visit nolaba.org
Until next time!
Viva NOLA Magazine - Page 4