The 2008 Jazz & Heritage Festival will feature superstars such as Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and Jimmy Buffett.
Other notable selections include national sensations such as Tim McGraw, Al Green, Carlos Santana, Sheryl Crow, Widespread Panic, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant and Randy Newman, the Festival announced this past week.
Jazz Fest will also feature New Orleans artists such as Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint and The Neville Brothers.
Dozens of other local favorites will showcase the flavors of New Orleans to the world, along with hundreds of heritage acts ranging from Dixieland jazz to Louisiana zydeco.
Festival director Quint Davis said he was excited about the big names coming to this year’s festival and the economic impact they will bring to the city.
“In New Orleans, culture is a beacon for the rest of the community,” Davis said in a press release. “When a trumpeter blows the right notes, we come together and dance. When a grand marshal steps, we step with him. Jazz Fest is trying to help lead the way in guiding New Orleans to a complete recovery – culturally, economically and spiritually.”
One positive sign of progress in the city is Jazz Fest’s return to a full seven-day itinerary, the first since 2005.
Students around campus said they were impressed by this year’s lineup.
“It looks like a better lineup than in previous years,” said business graduate student Tim Roussel. “There’s a good chance I’d probably go, if time allows.”
Roussel said this year’s lineup feature several artists he listens to.
“My wife loves Tim McGraw, and we both like Jimmy Buffett and Billy Joel,” he said.
Craig Will, recent University alumnus and New Orleans resident, said this year’s lineup has persuaded him to attend Jazz Fest for the first time in five years.
“I want to check out Robert Plant … and Jimmy Buffett and the Roots,” Will said. “It’s a pretty good, diverse group.”
Jennique Harding, undecided freshman, said this year’s lineup looks better suited for older audiences. She said she usually prefers festivals such as the Voodoo Music Experience, which are more geared toward young audiences.
“Jazz Fest is usually really hot and muddy,” she said. “But I might try it again soon. I just haven’t been in a long time.”
The festival will run from April 25-27 and from May 1-4.
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com. Advance tickets are $40 per day, except on Thursday, May 1, when tickets are $30.
To view the festival’s full lineup, visit nojazzfest.com.
—-Contact James Hunter at [email protected]