![At the Chevron Cajun/Zydeco showcase Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet was performing for an enthusiastic dancing crowd](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Beausoleil_avec_Michael_Doucet-_9163-1024x682.jpg)
French Quarter Fest kicked off today in New Orleans and the weather was cooperating – a couple of days back we had hail and lots of rain with not very warm temperatures – today – none of that, just sunny skies and warm winds. FQF is a smaller festival and it is free with no ‘cover charges’ apart from for example Jazz Fest which comes a little later in April. Admittedly the FQF does not have the same magnitude of well known performers as Jazz Fest does, and this to me is part of the appeal – it is also less crowded and crazy, it’s more of a whole family celebration of good music and good food . Below are some photos from the first day.
![Let me see here what is next, hmmm... there seems to be something wrong with my program - it's all sideways to me...](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Whats_next_9144-1024x682.jpg)
![I'm hungry anyway - let's see if this thing is at least tasty to eat....](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Hungry_9145-1024x682.jpg)
![Women like wearing stylish hats in New Orleans.](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Hats_9143-1024x682.jpg)
![Michael Doucet of Beausoleil playing his little accordion](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Michael_Doucet_9176-682x1024.jpg)
![New Orleans has a cuisine that is different from the rest of the US, this girl is about to demonstrate that...](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Sword_Eater_9183-1024x682.jpg)
![She eats swords....](http://thelosangeleno.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Sword_Eater_9185-1024x682.jpg)