Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
The Rolling Stones are set to grace the iconic New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival after two attempts. This years marks the third time's a charm for festival organizers eager to land the band.
The two-weekend festival kicks off this Thursday with a diverse lineup spread across 14 stages at the historic Fair Grounds race course. While acts like Widespread Panic, The Beach Boys, Stephen Marley, and John Boutte will get the party started on opening day, all eyes are undoubtedly on The Rolling Stones, whose performance next Thursday has been sold out for months.
"It's gonna be special," promises festival producer Quint Davis, reflecting the palpable anticipation for the Stones' first-ever appearance at Jazz Fest.
Festivalgoers can expect a mix of sunshine, good music, and a stellar lineup throughout the first weekend. Grammy-winning Jon Batiste, country superstar Chris Stapleton, R&B powerhouse Fantasia, and rock veterans Heart are just a few of the big names taking the stage. Louisiana's rich musical heritage will be on display with performances by Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw and The Cute Guys, while blues and folk artist Ruthie Foster rounds out the genre-hopping extravaganza.
But let's be honest, the main attraction this year is undoubtedly The Rolling Stones. With their recent release "Hackney Diamonds" – their first album of original material since 2005 – the band is sure to deliver a high-energy set packed with both classic hits and new tunes. While special guests haven't been confirmed, Davis keeps the door open with a playful "never say never."
"Expect euphoria," he enthuses. "This is a daylight show, so fans will actually get to see the band and experience a truly special connection."
To accommodate the massive crowd expected for the Stones' performance, the festival will take the unusual step of shutting down all other stages during their set. "We don't want empty stages when people are there for the Stones," explains Davis, acknowledging the near-religious following the band commands.
Thankfully, tickets are still available for other festival days, offering a chance to delve into the vibrant tapestry of New Orleans music. From blues and R&B to gospel, Cajun, Zydeco, and everything in between, Jazz Fest truly has something for everyone. This year's cultural exchange program shines a spotlight on Colombia, featuring close to 200 Colombian artists, including headliners Bomba Estéreo and salsa legends Grupo Niche.
And no trip to New Orleans would be complete without indulging in its legendary cuisine. Festivalgoers can savor the flavors of the city with dishes like crawfish bread, pecan catfish, cochon de lait po-boys, and jambalaya – just a taste of the culinary delights that await.
So, whether you're a die-hard Stones fan, a music lover seeking a diverse experience, or simply a foodie in search of a delicious adventure, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has something to offer. Get ready for a celebration of music, culture, and the sheer joy of live performance!
Jeff Ian
