The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be ‘letting the good times roll’ once again in New Orleans, Louisiana. Nawlins’ natives and music lovers from around the world will be converging on the Fair Grounds for the 48th year of the renowned festival of music, food, art, crafts and culture.
Jazz Fest 2017 will again cover two weekends spanning the last weekend of April (Friday, April 28th – Sunday, April 30th) and the first weekend of May (Thursday, May 4th – Sunday, May 7th).
Quint Davis and his company, Festival Productions, have put together another stellar Jazz Fest lineup blending big name acts with the best of local favorites in Gospel, Blues, Zydeco and don’t forget the Jazz. No matter what your musical preference is, you’re sure to find names you know and become a new fan of a band you never heard before.
Heavy weights within the Jazz Fest 2017 lineup include Stevie Wonder, Kings of Lean, Dave Mathews and Tim Reynolds, Tom Petty, Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews, Trey Anastasio, Snoop Dogg, Darius Rucker, Meghan Trainor, Maroon 5, Usher w/ The Roots, Pitbull and Alabama Shakes…just to name a few.
However, if your focus is only on the headliners you’re really missing the essence of this festival. Of my many trips to Jazz Fest, my best memories are of finding that local band or gospel group I knew nothing about.
This year, that diamond in the rough may have more of a Cuban flavor. The fest is honoring the musical, artistic and culinary contributions of Cuba to New Orleans’ culture. With a number of musical performers, conga parades, food booths and over 150 artists providing demonstrations and displaying their work in the Cultural Exchange pavilion, it should provide a great addition to the cultural stew that is Jazz Fest.
Enjoy the headliners. Certainly enjoy the food. But also make time to explore everything else Jazz Fest has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
JAZZ FEST 2017 TICKETS FOR SALE