Many bands enjoy inviting surprise guests to their shows, and the possibilities are nearly endless. A lot of these musicians are friends. Local musicians are more likely to mix it up during Jazz Fest as well. That was like old times. Apart from the magic that comes with seeing live music with surprise guests and unexpected twists, sometimes it's the simple fact that one can do this all night in New Orleans that draws people in from out of town.
Staples emphasizes the importance of late-night activity to the local scene.
Popular Bay Area guitarist Steve Kimock has never played in New Orleans before, yet his late-night show at Tipitina's during Jazz Fest sold out in less than a day. Sonny Schneidau, director of talent and tours at House of Blues, also thinks that the late-night scene can be a saving grace for the exhausted Festival attendee. They might not even finish dinner until midnight. I think it's a great option for fans of all kinds.