Jazz music is the soul of New Orleans, and the best way to experience New Orleans jazz is by taking in a live performance at any of dozens of great venues around the city. As USA Today points out, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will be celebrating its grand finale on May 4-6 with performances by local musicians as well as international stars. The weekend's performers will include internationally acclaimed artists like ZZ Top, Counting Crows, and the Gangbe Brass Band of Benin, West Africa, along with local legends like Harry Connick Jr., the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and the ReBirth Jazz Band (pictured). The event, being held at the Fair Grounds, offers more than just great music. It's also a feast of local culture and local food. You'll find the Louisiana Folklife Village and Native American Village as well as Zatarain's Food Heritage Stage, where chefs prepare classic New Orleans dishes as well as innovative new takes on familiar fare. Starwood has five properties in and around New Orleans, including the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and the W New Orleans.

[image via USA Today]