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Terence Blanchard vacations at home in New Orleans

A string of titles follow in Terence Blanchard’s wake: world-renowned jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, five-time Grammy Award winner, Golden Globe nominee. One he holds most dear: New Orleans native. He’ll be in his hometown when the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicks off this weekend. Afterward, he’s back touring and simultaneously composing for projects like the films “Black and White” and “Little Rootie Tootie.”

What’s something you never fail to pack in your suitcase?

Other than my trumpet, my iPod.

Travel playlist?

Fred Hammond, Disturbed and Miles Davis.

Carry-on or check-in?

Check-in.

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Window or aisle?

Aisle.

What’s your idea of the perfect vacation?

Being in an area where you’re forced to do nothing for three weeks.

Tell us about a vacation you’ve taken that’s come close thus far.

A couple of years ago, we had a staycation. We did nothing and didn’t venture too far from home, trying to really appreciate our neighborhood, home and some of the great local restaurants — Dante’s Kitchen, ONE and Refuel Café.

Where would you take someone visiting your hometown of New Orleans for the first time?

Dante’s Kitchen. The people there are very warm and friendly, and the food is amazing. I think it best depicts the most essential thing about New Orleans’ life. To borrow a quote from a friend, “New Orleans is a city of moments.” What that means: It doesn’t matter where you are in New Orleans. You can always have a great time.

An example: that same friend had just been at lunch with another mutual friend who’s a producer on the HBO series “Treme.” They saw my wife and myself sitting on the porch, so they stopped and joined us. We sat on the porch from noon to nine at night, talking, relaxing, enjoying the weather and scenery and having a good time.

What’s the worst annoyance while traveling?

Canceled flights. Once, I was supposed to be playing in Vancouver and the flight was canceled. We woke up that morning thinking it would be an easy day with time to relax before the show. It was one of those trips where every time we tried to make a move, we were a step behind in catching another flight. When we finally arrived in Vancouver, we literally went straight from the airport to the stage.

Where’s your favorite destination to perform?

Playing the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a homecoming for me. I have so many friends from around world who come to visit because they love the festival as well. Plus, I have family members and friends here I grew up with. It’s always an amazing experience having all those people together with two other things I grew up with — great music and food.

What's the silliest souvenir you’ve ever brought back from a trip?

When I was performing in Poland, the promoter there was constantly putting things in my hotel room, like bottles of vodka. There was also a little bell from Poland. I brought it home because my wife and I are big fans of “Downton Abbey.” Every now and then we ring the bell, but in our house, nobody comes.

Ever try a food you wished you hadn't?

I love sushi, but once I was given a live shrimp to eat. I was in an exclusive sushi restaurant in Japan with some Sony Records executives. The chef brought out two live prawns out on a tray. Everyone was speaking in Japanese, so I couldn’t understand them. The chef pointed at me, then the prawns. Next thing I knew, he’d cut them up and put them on some rice on my plate. The tails were still moving, so I thought I’d wait a minute and eat everything else on my plate first. The Sony execs started laughing because they could see what I was doing. I finally got enough courage to bite into it. What was so, so sad: the prawn tensed up it like it could feel it.

Favorite hotel you've ever stayed in?

The Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis has a lot of grandeur. Then there’s the Grand Hotel Quellenhof in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. It’s in the mountains and has all these natural springs. The hotel pools are filled with natural spring water, too. And it has great restaurants.

Biggest regret you've ever had while on vacation?

Not always taking advantage of where I’m visiting. I’m a bit of a stay-at-home guy; a room service dude. My wife and kids, who always have a travel agenda, make fun of me. I always say, “Can we just relax?” By the time I’m finished relaxing, it’s midnight. When I go on the road, my kids look at my itinerary and suggest places to visit. When I come home they always ask, “Did you go to…?” Um… no.

The one thing you're willing to splurge on when traveling above all else.

A great meal.

You only get one more trip in your lifetime. Where will it be?

South America to Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia. It’s gorgeous, and the people and food are amazing. I’ve only been there once and I’d like to go back.