In less than three months the historic New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival will take place in the slowly-but-surely recovering Crescent City.
Officials announced Thursday this year’s Jazz Fest will feature one of the most notable lineups in festival history.
From musical icons and legends such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to New Orleans musicians Dr. John and Fats Domino, the acts at Jazz Fest this year will provide not only a wide range of musical tastes but also some of the most established artists in the industry.
Matthew Goldman, press and advertising director of Jazz Fest, said the list is finalized, but things often change.
Goldman said acts are often added or removed because of unforeseen incidents.
Goldman also said many acts approached organizers this year to perform at the festival.
“[Many artists] turned to New Orleans to show their support for the festival,” Goldman said. “And to show their support for New Orleans.”
So strong was the show of support for the city, The Rolling Stones and U2 were rumored to be participating in Jazz Fest.
But Fran Curtis, Rolling Stones publicist, said she is unaware of any performances scheduled for the weekends of Jazz Fest – the last weekend in April and the first in May – but that does not mean they are not playing, only that Curtis does not have a definite answer on it yet.
But the biggest challenge Jazz Fest may face is not booking significant acts – it’s attendance.
Ryan Morgan, liberal arts sophomore, said he is still not sure whether he will go to Jazz Fest or if it will have the attendance it’s had in the past.
“Some people are still going to show up,” Morgan said. “But people just aren’t [in New Orleans]. And more things are on people’s mind than jazz.”
 
Contact Zachary Broussard at zbroussard@lsureveille.com