Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Sonny Rollins, Kid Rock,
John Mellencamp, Wilco, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Willie Nelson,
The Strokes, John Legend & The Roots
To Join Hundreds of Louisiana Greats at 2011 Jazz Fest in New Orleans

Tickets On Sale Now
VIP & Discount Weekend Packages, Special Hotel Room Rates Available

New Orleans, LA (January 20, 2011)—The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell today announced the music lineup for the 2011 Festival scheduled for April 29 - May 1 and May 5 - 8. With twelve stages of virtually every style of roots music, Jazz Fest presents one of the entertainment world’s most diverse music lineups, including its unparalleled showcase of Louisiana’s unique culture. Hundreds of thousands of fans annually flock to the seven-day event that has been called America’s best festival.

Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Wilco, Willie Nelson, The Strokes, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tom Jones, Jeff Beck, Sonny Rollins, John Legend & The Roots, The Avett Brothers, Cyndi Lauper, Wyclef Jean, Mumford & Sons, Alejandro Sanz, Jason Mraz, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Lupe Fiasco, Arlo Guthrie, Jamey Johnson, Fantasia, Kenny G, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Decemberists, Gregg Allman Blues Band, Vickie Winans, Lucinda Williams, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Robert Cray, Bobby Blue Bland, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Edie Brickell, Keb’ Mo’, Rance Allen, Ahmad Jamal, Fourplay, Ricky Skaggs, Amos Lee, Jesse Winchester, Michelle Shocked, Tabou Combo, RAM, and Boukman Eksperyans of Haiti, Punch Brothers, Ron Carter Trio, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Ivan Lins, Charlie Musselwhite, Maceo Parker with guest Pee Wee Ellis and more are all among the national and international guest artists scheduled to appear at the 42nd edition of the Jazz Fest.

Hundreds of Louisiana artists, the heart and soul of the Festival, are scheduled to appear, such as: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Mystikal, Pete Fountain, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Better Than Ezra, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, Tab Benoit, The Radiators, Cowboy Mouth, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Marcia Ball, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ellis Marsalis, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Sonny Landreth, Henry Butler, Papa Grows Funk, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, John Boutté, Terence Blanchard, Amanda Shaw, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Jon Cleary, Partners N Crime with 5th Ward Weebie, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste, Glen David Andrews, Anders Osborne, Buckwheat Zydeco, George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, Big Freedia & Sissy Nobby, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, MyNameIsJohnMichael, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Zachary Richard, Warren Storm - Willie Tee & Cypress, Honey Island Swamp Band, Bonerama, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Nicholas Payton, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Jeremy Davenport, Deacon John, Donald Harrison, Astral Project, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Banu Gibson, Shamarr Allen, Pine Leaf Boys, Mia Borders, Hot 8, Mahogany, New Birth & Pinstripe Brass Bands, Roots of Music Marching Crusaders Band, The Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians plus many more.

Quint Davis, producer/director of Jazz Fest said, “The 2011 Jazz Fest lineup will deliver an unprecedented balance of the traditional and the contemporary, in all of the many music categories the Festival presents: from Bon Jovi, Sonny Rollins and Arcade Fire to Jimmy Buffett, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson to Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Strokes and Robert Plant and on and on, along with the unending list of New Orleans super talents. This lineup reminds us that the artists we grew up with are now the icons of today, and that today’s new heroes are tomorrow’s heritage. We’re honored to be able to once again celebrate the soul of America as only New Orleans and the Jazz Fest can.”

Randy Phillips, president & CEO, AEG Live, which co-produces the Festival said, "Once again, Quint Davis and the Jazz Fest Team have been able to amass one of the largest and deepest musical lineups of any festival in the world today. AEG Live is proud to play a major role in the production of this beloved event."

The 2011 Festival will also host the largest celebration of Haitian culture in the U.S. since the devastating earthquake one year ago. New Orleans and Haiti have shared a deep cultural connection for over three hundred years and many of the local traditions and customs owe their roots to this complex Caribbean country. The Jazz Fest is proud and honored to host the icons of Haitian music and culture including Wyclef Jean, Tabou Combo, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans, Emeline Michel, Djakout #1, DJA-Rara and Ti-Coca & Wanga Négès. The many cultural connections will be illustrated throughout all aspects of this year’s Festival. Some highlights include traditional Vodou drumming performances, folk crafts demonstrations led by visiting master artisans and rara band DJA-Rara parading throughout the Fair Grounds. With the support of the Green Family Foundation, the program will also include a series of scholar-led panel discussions entitled Haiti & New Orleans: Cultural Crossroads as well as a listening station featuring excerpts from the Grammy nominated recordings of Dr. Alan Lomax made in Haiti for the Library of Congress in 1936-1937.

The Jazz Festival offers three distinct VIP opportunities to experience the event in style: the Festival’s popular Big Chief VIP Experience ticket package provides special viewing access at most of the Festival’s stages; the Grand Marshal VIP Pass allows for up-close access at the three major stages; and the Krewe of Jazz Fest VIP Pass which entitles patrons to special covered seating at the Acura Stage audience area only. All of the hugely popular VIP packages are on sale now while very limited supplies last. (See attachments for details.) The Festival offers a special layaway arrangement for any of the VIP packages. For information on layaway, please visit www.nojazzfest.com.

Tickets for the Festival, which takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, went on sale today. A limited number of discount ticket packages including tickets to each day of a particular weekend of the Festival will be offered. Ticket packages purchased for all three days of the first weekend (April 29, 30 & May 1) will be $120 ($40 per day), while second weekend packages purchased for all four festival days (May 5, 6, 7, & 8) will be $160 ($40 per day). (Tickets included in each package are day-specific.) Advance single day Jazz Fest tickets are only $45; the gate price is $60. Children’s tickets (ages 2 - 10) are still only $5 and are available at the gate only. Single day tickets to Jazz Fest are on sale by specific weekend, with each ticket valid for a single day’s attendance.

Tickets are available at www.nojazzfest.com and www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at the New Orleans Arena Box Office. All Jazz Fest tickets are subject to additional service fees and handling charges.

A listing of hotels offering special Jazz Fest rates is posted at www.nojazzfest.com, where patrons can effortlessly reserve their hotel rooms for the event. Festivalgoers can peruse room availability and book their accommodations early taking advantage of some of the best prices offered at participating hotels.

Shell is the Presenting Sponsor of the Festival. Acura, Peoples Health, Miller Lite, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots (A Churchill Downs Company), Edison Chouest Offshore, Coca-Cola, Rajen Kilachand, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Zatarain’s and St. Charles Vision are all also official Jazz Fest sponsors.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell. The Foundation uses the proceeds from Jazz Fest for year-round activities in the areas of education, economic development and cultural events. Education programs include the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music and the Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series. Economic Development initiatives include the Community Partnership Grants, the Raisin’ the Roof housing program, the Sync Up conference and the Jazz & Heritage Talent Exchange web site. Cultural events include the Jazz Journey concert series and free community festivals: the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, the Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival, the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival and the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival. The Foundation also owns radio station WWOZ 90.7-FM, the Jazz & Heritage Archive, the Jazz & Heritage Gallery and the Jazz & Heritage Center. The Jazz & Heritage Gala raises funds for Foundation programming with a black-tie event to start the Jazz Fest season on Thursday, April 28 at the Hilton Riverside Hotel. For more information, please call the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation at (504) 558-6100 or visit www.jazzandheritage.org.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell is a co-production of Festival Productions Louisiana, LLC. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Festival Productions, Inc.-New Orleans) and AEG Louisiana Production, LLC. (a subsidiary of AEG Live).

[www.nojazzfest.com]

I've been twice before, and am going again this year to celebrate my 50th (Robert Plant will be providing the tunes). Always a great time - so much of a variety of music and laid back atmosphere.

Here is a day-by-day schedule:




New Orleans Jazz Fest 2011 to feature Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Wilco and many more
Published: Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 11:21 PM Updated: Thursday, January 20, 2011, 2:45 AM
By Keith Spera, The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Jazz Festival 2011 welcomes Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Jimmy Buffett, John Mellencamp, Wilco, Willie Nelson, The Strokes, Robert Plant, Lauryn Hill, Tom Jones, Jeff Beck, Sonny Rollins, Kenny G and John Legend & The Roots to the Fair Grounds in 2011.

In this image released courtesy of Elaine Mellencamp, musician John Mellencamp is shown. Mellencamp's latest CD is titled, "Life, Death, Love and Freedom."
New Orleans Jazz Fest 2011 lineup gallery (36 photos)

The wide-ranging roster of "visiting" artists - those not from Louisiana - seems designed to position Jazz Fest to compete more directly with the likes of the Austin City Limits Festival, Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, even as it builds on a foundation of local music, food and crafts.
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell is April 29 through May 8.
Ticket prices are unchanged from 2010. A first-weekend discount package of three day-specific tickets is $120 plus service charges; a second-weekend package of four tickets is $160.
Advance single-day tickets, specific to each weekend, are $45 plus service charges. Tickets at the gate are $60. Tickets for children age 2 to 10 are $5, available at the gate only.
Louisiana representatives include Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Irma Thomas, Galactic, Dr. John, Pete Fountain, Terence Blanchard, Deacon John, Jeremy Davenport, the Neville Brothers, a reunion of Los Hombres Calientes featuring Irvin Mayfield and Bill Summers, and the Radiators, who are slated to disband this summer.
The 42nd annual Jazz Fest will be the seventh since Quint Davis' Festival Productions Inc.-New Orleans partnered with AEG Live, the concert division of the international entertainment conglomerate.
AEG co-produces and/or created several major festivals. The company oversees the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the country-centric Stagecoach festival in southern California. AEG has submitted a bid to co-produce the Chicago Blues Festival. The company also created the Bayou Country Superfest in Baton Rouge with Festival Productions.
At least four acts coming to Jazz Fest for the first time - Arcade Fire, the Strokes, Lauryn Hill and Mumford & Sons - are also headed to Coachella in mid-April.

Due in part to AEG's deep pockets and music industry clout, artists whose tours typically bypass New Orleans are finding their way to the city via Jazz Fest.
John Mellencamp, appearing on the festival's first Sunday, has not performed in New Orleans for at least 15 years.
Bon Jovi was absent from the Big Easy for more than a decade prior to headlining the Acura Stage in 2009. Jon Bon Jovi and company return this year on the festival's first Saturday.
British guitar hero Jeff Beck, whose 2010 Jazz Fest set was consistently praised, is also back.
Smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G will likely appear on Jazz Fest's Congo Square stage. He is extremely popular with African-American audiences, as evidenced by his headlining set at an early Essence Music Festival in the Superdome.
Kid Rock is touring in support of his well-received "Born Free," on which he tones down his trademark rap/rock hybrid in favor of a more straight-ahead, '70s-influenced rock style. Whether he tones down his sometimes colorful stage banter at the festival remains to be seen. He'll perform on May 8, the closing Sunday.
Modern rock's new guard is represented by the likes of Arcade Fire - which has not performed in New Orleans since graduating to arena headlining status - Wilco, the Strokes, Jason Mraz, Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers and the Decemberists. English folk rock band Mumford & Sons is currently nominated for a Grammy as best new artist.
R&B belter Fantasia will represent the "American Idol" demographic. Contemporary R&B songwriter John Legend is teamed with veteran hip-hop act and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" house band the Roots. Legend and the Roots collaborated on a recent album, "Wake Up!"
R&B singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill is on the comeback trail after several years of self-imposed exile from the music business. Her former Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean is also at the fest. Jean, a native of Haiti, is part of Jazz Fest's celebration of Haitian music.

Local rapper Michael "Mystikal" Tyler, active once again after spending six years in prison, is slated to perform with a live band featuring a horn section.
Ageless lothario Tom Jones and 1980s hitmaker Cyndi Lauper are among the more unexpected bookings. So, too, Edie Brickell, the former New Bohemian who has of late focused on her role as Mrs. Paul Simon.
Not every name is new. Such Jazz Fest veterans as Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Robert Cray and Robert Randolph & the Family Band are back.
Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant delivered a spellbinding set at the 2008 Jazz Fest with Alison Krauss. He is touring this spring with his latest Americana music project, Band of Joy.
Fans of more traditional genres will likely flock to jazz saxophone titan Sonny Rollins and bluegrass mandolin wizard Ricky Skaggs, among others. Grizzled Allman Brothers keyboardist Gregg Allman will perform with his new blues band.
Various VIP ticket packages with such amenities as covered seating and up-front access to the major stages are available.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster and at the New Orleans Arena box office. In years past, paying with cash at the arena box office resulted in the lowest service charges.
The complete 2011 Jazz Fest lineup is:

FRIDAY, APRIL 29
Robert Plant & the Band of Joy, Jeff Beck, Wyclef Jean, The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Keb' Mo', Mighty Clouds of Joy, Justin Townes Earle, Ron Carter Trio w/ Mulgrew Miller and Russell Malone, Donald Harrison, Tab Benoit, Jon Cleary, George Porter, Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, John Mooney & Bluesiana, the subdudes, Mia Borders, Anat Cohen Quartet, Los Hombres Calientes feat. Bill Summers & Irvin Mayfield.

Wyclef Jean will appear at New Orleans Jazz Festival on Friday, April 29, 2011.
The Bahamas Experience, Ti-Coca & Wanga Négès of Haiti, Germaine Bazzle, The Joe Krown Trio featuring Walter "Wolfman" Washington and Russell Batiste, Jr., Haitian - New Orleans Connection featuring Emeline Michel, Dr. Jean Montes, and Dr. Michael White, Warren Storm - Willie Tee & Cypress, Shades of Praise, Henry Gray & the Cats, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, Red Stick Ramblers, Coco Robicheaux, Danny Barnes, Otra, New Orleans Nightcrawlers, New Orleans Spiritualettes, Corey Ledet, Derek Douget, Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Doreen's Jazz New Orleans, Dave Lemon & the Flow, MASHUP feat.
Terence Higgins, Ike Stubblefield, and Grant Green, Jr., Clive Wilson's New Orleans Serenaders with guest Butch Thompson, Happy Talk Band, Meschiya Lake & Dem Lil' Big Horns, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Cajun Band, Comanche Hunters and Semolian Warriors Mardi Gras Indians, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Rocks of Harmony, Morning Star Mass Choir, Chris Clifton, Louis Ford & his New Orleans Flairs, Voices of Peter Claver, Los Astros de America, Tulane Jazz Ensemble, Jonno & Cajun Experience, Mount Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church Choir, Sister Naomi Washington and Group, Smitty Dee's Brass Band, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Black Mohawk and Black Foot Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Keep N it Real, We R One, Zulu, and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Louisiana Sketches with Carl LeBlanc presented by Young Audiences, Gray Hawk, Young Cheyenne and Geronimo Hunters Mardi Gras Indians...

SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Bon Jovi, Jason Mraz, Fantasia, Irma Thomas, Robert Cray, Amos Lee, Ahmad Jamal, Rance Allen, Ricky Skaggs, John Boutté, The Dixie Cups, Jeremy Davenport, Emeline Michel and DJA-Rara of Haiti, Hot 8 Brass Band, Big Freedia and Sissy Nobby, The Low Anthem, Anat Cohen Quartet, The Bahamas Experience, Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory, Ti-Coca & Wanga Négès of Haiti, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Pine Leaf Boys, Rotary Downs, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Shannon McNally & Hot Sauce, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, The Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Panorama Jazz Band, Renard Poche, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Orange Kellin's New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, The Johnson Extension, Ted Winn, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Kidd Jordan, Midnite Disturbers, Gospel Soul Children, Jockimo's Groove feat. War Chief Juan, Brice Miller & Mahogany Brass Band, Erica Falls, J. Monque'D Blues Band, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, The Tenor Sax Woodshed feat. Christian Winther and Clarence Slaughter, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, Grupo Sensacion, First Emanuel Gospel Choir, Po' Henry & Tookie, Kid Simmons' Local International Allstars, DJ Bomshell Boogie, UNO Jazz Allstars, Big Chief Walter Cook & the Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians, Xavier University Jazz Ensemble, Nine Times Men, Single Men, and Single Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Les Getrex & Quick Change, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, Pastor Tyrone Jefferson, Lady Jetsetters, Dumaine Gang, Divine Ladies, and Family Ties Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Red, White & Blue and Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians, Highsteppers Brass Band, Mo'Lasses, Miss Claudia & her Biergartners, Curtis Pierre with Samba Kids, River Road African American Museum Drum & Dance, Golden Comanche and Seminoles Mardi Gras Indians...

SUNDAY, MAY 1
John Mellencamp, Tom Jones, John Legend & The Roots, Dr. John, Alejandro Sanz, Arlo Guthrie, Kenny G, The Decemberists, Vickie Winans, Pete Fountain, Terence Blanchard, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Boukman Eksperyans of Haiti, Deacon John, Zachary Richard, Classic New Orleans Revue featuring Frankie Ford, Jean Knight, and the Blue Eyed Soul Band, Glen David Andrews, Partners-N-Crime with 5th Ward Weebie, Honey Island Swamp Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, The Wiseguys, The Boogie Men, Astral Project, Red Baraat, DJA-Rara of Haiti, Anders Osborne, John Fohl & Johnny Sansone.

John Mellencamp's upcoming appearance at Jazz Fest will be his first New Orleans concert in more than 15 years. Mellencamp's latest CD is titled, "Life, Death, Love and Freedom."
Jake Smith, Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88's, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, Lil' Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mark Braud, Lil' Malcolm & the House Rockers, Los Po-Boy-Citos, The Tommy Sancton New Orleans Quintet, Jo "Cool" Davis with guest James "Sugarboy" Crawford, Kristin Diable, Free Agents Brass Band, Driskill Mountain Boys, Tom McDermott, Michael Ward, Keith Frank, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Traditional Jazz Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, Furious Five, Untouchables, Big Steppers, New Look, The First Division, and Olympia Aid Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters feat. Lady Bee, Jesse Lege, Joel Savoy & the Cajun Country Revival, St. Joseph the Worker Choir, Jazz & Blues feat. Luther Kent, Phillip Manuel, and Big Al Carson, Ninth Ward Navajo, Golden Blade, and Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jeremy Lyons Delta-Silly Music, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Voices of Distinction, The Last Straws, Big Chief Kevin Goodman & the Flaming Arrows, LeRoy Thomas, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Uptown Music Theatre, New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Ayla Miller Band, Young Guardians of the Flame...

THURSDAY, MAY 5
Wilco, Cyndi Lauper, Lucinda Williams, Galactic, Maceo Parker with special guest Pee Wee Ellis, Ivan Lins, Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste, Ruthie Foster, Michelle Shocked, Charlie Musselwhite, Djakout #1 of Haiti, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Amanda Shaw, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, The Iguanas, Lisa Knowles & the Brown Sisters, Charmaine Neville, Banu Gibson & the Allstars feat. Bob Havens and Randy Reinhart, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Christian Scott, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Leroy Jones, Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove, James Booker Piano Tribute feat. David Reis, Joe Krown, Josh Paxton, Tom Worrell, and Tom McDermott, Delfeayo Marsalis' Uptown Orchestra, Gov't Majik Dirty South Afro-Beat Arkestra, Sasha Masakowski, Brice Winston, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Little Freddie King Blues Band, Lino Patruno of Italy, Linnzi Zaorski, Spencer Bohren, Original Royal Players Brass Band, Belton Richard & the Musical Aces, Roots of Music Marching Crusaders Band, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Paul Eason, John Rankin, Flatbed Honeymoon, Robert "Bilbo" Walker, Ovi-G & the Froggies, Dukes of Dixieland, BRW, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Kumbuka African Dance & Drum Collective, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, 7th Ward Creole Hunters and Cheyenne Mardi Gras Indians, Young Fellaz Brass Band, Lyle Henderson & Emmanu-EL, Black Seminoles Mardi Gras Indians, The Help, McDonogh #35, O. Perry Walker Charter, McMain, and Joseph S. Clark High School Gospel Choirs, Stooges Brass Band, Heavenly Melodies Gospel Singers, Pastor Terry Gullage and the Greater Mt. Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Tornado Brass Band, Bon Temp Roulez, VIP Ladies, Men of Class, and Ladies of Unity Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Clearwood Jr. High School Chorale, Adams Middle School Players...

FRIDAY, MAY 6
Arcade Fire, Willie Nelson, Lupe Fiasco, Better Than Ezra, Jamey Johnson, Gregg Allman Blues Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Buckwheat Zydeco, Big Sam's Funky Nation, 100th Birthday Celebration for Mahalia Jackson featuring Irma Thomas with guest John Boutté, Edie Brickell, Eric Lindell, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Bonerama, Mingus Big Band, Luther Kent, Bob Wilber & the Crescent City Cats, Bobby Cure & the Summertime Blues with guest Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, James Rivers Movement, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Tim Laughlin, The SteelDrivers, Leah Chase, Djakout #1 of Haiti, The New Orleans Klezmer Allstars' 20th Anniversary, Alex McMurray, Kourtney Heart, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, A Centennial Celebration for Lionel Ferbos with the Palm Court Jazz Band, Yvette Landry, We Landed on the Moon!, Sharon Martin, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band.
Jamil Sharif, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Ingrid Lucia, Big Al Carson Blues Band, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Joseph Torregano, Guitar Slim, Jr., Gina Brown & Anutha Level, Andy J. Forest NOtown Band, Blodie's Jazz Jam, Ivoire Spectacle feat. Seguenon Kone, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble, Michael Skinkus & Moyuba, Joe Hall & the Louisiana Cane Cutters, Connie & Dwight with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Archdiocese of New Orleans Gospel Choir, Fleur de Ladies Brass Band, Young Magnolias, White Cloud Hunters, and Red Hawk Mardi Gras Indians, Forgotten Souls, The Wimberly Family Gospel Singers, New Wave Brass Band, Original Big Seven, Original Four, Scene Boosters, and Ole N Nu Style Fellas Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Cherokee and Ninth Ward Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Rev. Jermaine Landrum & Abundant Praise Revival Choir, Rose Anne St. Romain, Nineveh Baptist Church Mass Choir, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Metropelican Opera, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue presented by Young Audiences, Bester Singers and Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers...

SATURDAY, MAY 7
Jimmy Buffett, The Strokes, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Mystikal, Bobby Blue Bland, Fourplay, Marcia Ball, Aaron Neville's Gospel Experience, RAM of Haiti, Nicholas Payton, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, Jesse Winchester, MyNameIsJohnMichael, Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Voice of the Wetlands All Stars, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Khris Royal & Dark Matter, Ruby Wilson, New Birth Brass Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Vivaz, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Jeff & Vida, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, The Jon Batiste Band, Wanda Rouzan's New Orleans R&B Revue, Bill Kirchen, R Scully Rough 7, Ernie Vincent & Top Notes, Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, The Sammy Rimington International Band, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, Pfister Sisters, David Torkanowsky's Fleur Debris feat. George Porter, Jr., 101 Runners, The Revealers, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, AsheSon, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Tribute to Walter Payton and June Gardner, DJ Soul Sister, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministry, Brother Tyrone, Baritone Bliss feat. Roger Lewis and Tony Dagradi, Smithfield Fair, Troy Turner, Kirk Joseph's Tuba Tuba, The Electrifying Crown Seekers, Greater Antioch Full Gospel BC Mass Choir, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Golden Voices Community Choir, Tonia Scott & Anointed Voices, Julliard Jazz Ensemble, N'Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Minister Jai Reed, Kinfolk Brass Band, Ashe Cultural Arts Center Kuumba Institute, Stephen Foster's Foster Family Program, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Choir, Cherokee Hunters, Wild Red Flame, Trouble Nation, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Westbank Steppers, New Generation, Undefeated Divas, Pigeon Town Steppers, and Valley of Silent Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs...

SUNDAY, MAY 8
Kid Rock, The Neville Brothers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Sonny Rollins, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Radiators' farewell, Cowboy Mouth, Tabou Combo of Haiti, Papa Grows Funk, Rebirth Brass Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Sonny Landreth, Ellis Marsalis, Henry Butler, Playing for Change, Anders Osborne, Glen David Andrews, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Punch Brothers feat. Chris Thile, Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, RAM of Haiti, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed feat. special guest VaShawn Mitchell, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias.
Treme Brass Band, George French & the New Orleans Storyville Jazz Band, The Bluerunners Reunion, Rumba Buena, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Dee-1, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Tommy Malone & Blvd Jr., Bobby Lounge, Feufollet, TBC Brass Band, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, The Generationals, DJ Captain Charles, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Gregg Stafford's Jazz Hounds, Jesse McBride presents The Next Generation, Russell Batiste, Jr. & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Tribute to Clyde Kerr, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Julio y Cesar, Robin & the Bluebirds, Da Souljas Brass Band, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Wild Tchoupitoulas and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, Bamboula 2000, Pinstripe Brass Band, Veal Brothers, Zulu Male Ensemble, Heritage School of Music Band, Jonté Landrum Thomas, Original New Orleans Lady Buckjumpers, Prince of Wales, Nine Times Ladies, Original C.T.C., Lady Rollers, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, SUBR Jazzy Jags, Johnette Downing, Mt. Hermon BC Mass Choir, Golden Sioux and Apache Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, N'Kafu Traditional African Dance Company, Dragon Master Showcase presented by Young Audiences, Erik McAllister & the N.O.C.C.A. Mime Theater Troupe, Black Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, KIDsmART Student Showcase, Sunpie Barnes with Louisiana Creole Music...

Music writer Keith Spera can be reached at kspera@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3470.

[www.nola.com]

How much are the buses to the show with tickets this year. I remember some years ago paying about $20.00 for round trip bus ride and admission ticket. We used to catch the bus at over by the Hard Rock Cafe or the Superdome.

Best system of transportation to an event that I ever seen. Buses lined up for people with very little wait and it dropped you right at the gate. And the drivers interacted with the riders and always played some good blues over the PA system for the ride.

Quote
The Sicilian
How much are the buses to the show with tickets this year. I remember some years ago paying about $20.00 for round trip bus ride and admission ticket. We used to catch the bus at over by the Hard Rock Cafe or the Superdome.

Best system of transportation to an event that I ever seen. Buses lined up for people with very little wait and it dropped you right at the gate. And the drivers interacted with the riders and always played some good blues over the PA system for the ride.

They may not be doing that anymore. I'll have to check.

City buses and the streetcar line now goes to within walking distance of the Fair Grounds.

Many hotels also offer their own shuttles to the venue.

Quote
The Sicilian
How much are the buses to the show with tickets this year. I remember some years ago paying about $20.00 for round trip bus ride and admission ticket. We used to catch the bus at over by the Hard Rock Cafe or the Superdome.

Best system of transportation to an event that I ever seen. Buses lined up for people with very little wait and it dropped you right at the gate. And the drivers interacted with the riders and always played some good blues over the PA system for the ride.

This is the info that appears on www.nojazzfest.com but may not have been updated yet for 2011:

How do I get to the Fair Grounds?
The Fair Grounds Race Course is located in a residential part of the city; parking in the surrounding neighborhoods is not recommended.


Gray Line Tours will operate continuous round-trip transportation – the Jazz Fest Express - from the Sheraton Hotel, the Gray Line Lighthouse at the Steamboat Natchez Dock (Toulouse St. at the River – next to Jax Brewery), and City Park (next to Marconi Meadows) daily from 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

A special entrance will be used only by Jazz Fest Express vehicles to avoid traffic and bring Festival-goers inside the gates of the Festival. Add $17 ($14 City Park) to the price of a Festival admission ticket for this round-trip transportation service. Admission and Jazz Fest Express tickets are available for sale on the days of the Festival from these locations or in advance through TicketMaster. A one way ticket from the Festival to downtown will be available for $10.

For more information, call 504-569-1401 or 1-800-535-7786.
[www.graylineneworleans.com]

magic

Didn't Bon Jovi play last year? How awful.

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skipstone
Didn't Bon Jovi play last year? How awful.

billed as the Bon Ton Jovi, i think...

New Orleans jazz festival... I wonder what percent of jazz bands are in overall lineup... not funny ;^)

The wide-ranging roster of "visiting" artists - those not from Louisiana - seems designed to position Jazz Fest to compete more directly with the likes of the Austin City Limits Festival, Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, even as it builds on a foundation of local music, food and crafts.

Considering the headliner lineup is almost exactly like Coachella,I don't see how tehy're competing with them?

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Amused
New Orleans jazz festival... I wonder what percent of jazz bands are in overall lineup...

You forgot the word "Heritage." It's the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

From the FAQ section of www.nojazzfest.com :

Is Jazz the only music featured at the Jazz Festival?

The Festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, so the music encompasses every style associated with the city and the state: blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between. And of course there is lots of jazz, both contemporary and traditional.

jazz and blooze fests include a wide range of artists - this has almost always been the case....great way to introduce acts that don't fit neatly into any category to jazz and blooze fans.

Jazz on the Ray-Ban, er, Acura Stage, doens't go over. Ya gotta get to the tents...

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Amused
New Orleans jazz festival... I wonder what percent of jazz bands are in overall lineup... not funny ;^)

There is a wide variety of music throughout the entire city, it's truely amazing. At the race grounds the jazz is usually limited to the jazz tent but there is so much going on you will want to explore.

There must be something in the water there because the talent pool is tremendous and that goes down even to the street musicians!

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coffeepotman

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Amused
New Orleans jazz festival... I wonder what percent of jazz bands are in overall lineup... not funny ;^)

There is a wide variety of music throughout the entire city, it's truely amazing. At the race grounds the jazz is usually limited to the jazz tent but there is so much going on you will want to explore.

There must be something in the water there because the talent pool is tremendous and that goes down even to the street musicians!

not unlike the street musicians hanging outside the joints on sixth street here in the live music capital of the world (austin), i suspect. i haven't been to n'awlins - but will venture out at least twice this year....

Jazz Fest 2011 poster unveiled
Posted by Kevin Allman on Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 10:57 AM


COURTESY ART4NOW.COM
Jimmy Buffett, as painted by Garland Robinette
Art4Now, which produces the annual posters for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, this morning unveiled the poster for Jazz Fest 2011: an image of a young Jimmy Buffett busking on a French Quarter street corner with a sign that says "Will Play for Gumbo" (an allusion to Buffett's song "I Will Play for Gumbo" ). The poster was painted by Garland Robinette, the WWL-AM radio host and longtime painter:


He pictures Jimmy at the corner he worked as night melted to dawn, with the musician’s trusty Falcon parked nearby, and after his weekend gig filled his cigar box. Flying in the distance is a parrot, prefiguring Buffett’s ultimate destination of Key West, Fla. And if you look closely on the sidewalk behind the Falcon, you’ll see the contemporary Jimmy Buffett walking into the future, glancing over his shoulder at the young man who would eventually catapult him to international acclaim. Robinette’s glorious image is heightened by this allegory, spanning and compressing time in an image richly imagined right down to the old N.O.P.S.I. manhole cover in the street.
Below the cut: the Congo Square poster and purchase info for both posters.



COURTESY ART4NOW.COM
"Fats" Houston, as painted by Kenneth Scott Jr.
The Congo Square poster is an image of "Fats" Houston, as painted by Kenneth Scott Jr.

[www.bestofneworleans.com]

The Neville Brothers on Sunday, May 8

The Strokes on Saturday, May 7

Lucinda Williams on Thursday, May 5

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sweetcharmedlife
The wide-ranging roster of "visiting" artists - those not from Louisiana - seems designed to position Jazz Fest to compete more directly with the likes of the Austin City Limits Festival, Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, even as it builds on a foundation of local music, food and crafts.

Considering the headliner lineup is almost exactly like Coachella,I don't see how tehy're competing with them?

Some years its very good others so so. But I'll say this, I have been there in years when it was probably the best festival in the US period. Plus you also have the atmosphere of New Orleans that cannot be found anywhere in the country. Add to that great food and lots of fun. As long as it does not rain.

Jeff Beck on Friday, April 29

Robert Plant & the Band of Joy on Friday, April 29

Hour-by-hour, stage-by-stage schedule has been released.

Anyone planning on Jazz Fest this year can go here: [lineup.nojazzfest.com]

Willie Nelson on Friday, May 6

Arcade Fire on Friday, May 6

I've been trying to find quality, pro-shot vids to put up here, but thought I'd include AF's surprise performance in Haiti on Tuesday:

I know this is your thread, Edith Grove, but while you're showcasing some of the artists, here's Mumford & Sons, Friday April 29:

Cool! Thanks, Green Lady!

I really do wish others would put up some videos here.
I can't do it all myself!

The Low Anthem (Saturday April 30th)





The Decemberists (Sunday May 1st)





Michael Franti & Spearhead (Sunday May 8th)