Inspired by the spirit of Mahalia Jackson and the Eureka Brass Band back in 1970, and originally produced by jazz impresario George Wein, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continues to celebrate the culture of Louisiana at the Fair Grounds on Gentilly Blvd. The Festival has always featured a wide variety of internationally acclaimed artists in the realms of jazz, blues, funk, gospel, rock, zydeco, and more.

This year’s JazzFest likewise presented an incredible array of artists and bands including The Meters, who appeared at the very first Jazz Fest in 1970. Taking place over two weekends, from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26, and then Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3, Jazz Fest 2015 offered seven days of music presented on 11 stages each day between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Here, Mix magazine presents the work of photographer Willow Haley.