Have you ever tried to leave New Orleans during rush hour on a Friday evening after spending five hours at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, in hopes of catching a Cajun band in one of the dance halls near Lafayette?

Even worse, have you ever been pounding a beer at Fred’s Lounge in Mamou at nine the following morning, and wondered how you could possibly make it back to the festival by 1 p.m. to see your favorite band?

The Jazz Festival offers a once in a year opportunity to s...