For the fifth or sixth time, I traveled to New Orleans for French Quarter Fest. Held the 2nd weekend in April every year, FQF is my personal favorite of the music fesitvals held there. It is always a couple of weeks earlier than Jazz Fest and, almost every year, the weather is much better. That was especially so this year when all we had to contend with was a bit of wind - Jazz Fest was deluged. I also like it better than Mardis Gras. The crowds are smaller and much less trouble-prone.

This year, I combined it with a visit to visit family and friends in San Diego and Orange County and then rode AMTRAK from Los Angeles to New Orleans and back.

The rest of this report is contained in the captions to the photos that follow. I hope you enjoy it.