Music lovers turned out in droves to show their support for the first post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans Jazz Festival to run for a full seven nights.
More than 400,000 spectators turned up to watch more than 350 bands perform at this year's event, which took place from April 25th to 27th and May 1st to 4th 2008.
It may have been the city's 39th such festival, but this no doubt had an added significance for the
backpacking and tourist audiences across the festivals ten stages.
A party that has remained unique in its line-up selections, always insisting on local talent paired with performances from international stars, this year's festival will likely serve as a confirmation of New Orleans' return to form as a tourist destination.
The Neville Brothers celebrated 25 years since their formation with their return to the festival and were joined at the event by other music luminaries such as Stevie Wonder and Randy Newman.
Meanwhile tourist officials in New Orleans have reported that the city is easily winning back its powers of attraction as more than double the number of tourists flocked their last year compared to 2006.
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