New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest Performers Announced

We know the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is returning to New Orleans, and we even know the dates (see Dates for New Orleans’ Jazz Fest Announced), and now we finally know who will be performing.

With a line-up that could shock even the most weathered festival-goer, this year’s festival features a wide range of jazz, folk, mainstream, pop and alternative performers from both New Orleans and around the globe. Jazz performers scheduled so far include Fats Domino, Irvin Mayfield (pictured) and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Kermit Ruffins, Terence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis with Lew Tabackin, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ivan Neville, Hugh Masekela, and Donald Harrison with George Coleman and Eddie Palmieri.

Also scheduled are Jimmy Buffett, Lionel Richie, Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Keith Urban, Allen Toussaint with Elvis Costello, Ani DiFranco, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Angelique Kidjo, Yerba Buena, Buckwheat Zydeco, Galactic and Cowboy Mouth. The specific schedules of performances will be announced in the coming days.

The Louisiana Heritage Fair will also take place each of the six days of the festival, April 28-30 and May 5-7, and will feature artists appearing on multiple stages and craft fairs. A highly anticipated component of the Heritage Fair is its Food Fair, featuring over 100 varieties of Louisiana and international foods.

Tickets are on sale by specific weekend and each ticket is valid for one day’s attendance. Prices are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate, while tickets for children under 12 are $5 in advance or at the gate. VIP passes are $500 per weekend and $600 with parking. More information on the festival and tickets is available online at www.nojazzfest.com.

Originally Published February 23, 2006