NEW ORLEANS — The Jazz Fest lineup is out. Musicians are coming from all over to play, but there are lots of locals in the lineup. In fact, that's what makes the fest unique.
Everywhere else the holidays are over and it's just cold and January, but in New Orleans, we line up for king cake and get the line up for Jazz Fest. Joining The Rolling Stones this spring are the Foo Fighters, finally.
That is the last band canceled during COVID to be rebooked. Bonnie Raitt, Earth, Wind and Fire, Chris Stapleton, and Neil Young will join the group. Then on the flip side, there are newer acts, including The Killers, Greta Van Fleet, Anderson Paak and Vampire Weekend.
“They're definitely trying to marry the older acts that appeal to the classic jazz fest demographic, as well as attract a new audience, which they really need to do to keep the festival fresh,” said Keith Spera, Entertainment Reporter for The Times Picayune.
And speaking of marriage, “Chapel of Love” has a big anniversary, and is the reason The Dixie Cups get their first solo appearance on the Jazz Fest poster.
“Sixty years. My God. Chapel has been bringing happiness, and joy to people, and not just here in the United States, but all over the world. It's heartwarming,” said Barbara Hawkins of The Dixie Cups.
She is the surviving original member. They have done every Jazz Fest except three.
Tourists come in for the big names, hear music, and talent they never knew existed from our home team, and end up at the Louisiana Music Factory record store to take it home with them.
“That goes on all day long during those things. They come in with a list of the people they saw throughout the previous day,” said the record store owner Barry Smith.
“Pretty much all our musicians here who have big hits internationally, are just our neighbors. They're just one of us. Heck, Irma Thomas, who's on the bill, she essentially gave The Rolling Stones their first top10 hit in America, “Time is on My Side” you know. They copied her arrangement,” Spera explained.
And there will be a tribute by The Coral Reefer Band to another we claim as our own, Jimmy Buffet.
“With I'm sure a bunch of guest stars singing Jimmy's songs, since he was such a friend of the festival, and a feature artist for so many years,” said Spera.
“Music touches the heart of everybody, everywhere. It doesn't matter what language it is. Music speaks to everyone,” said Hawkins.
For the complete list of artists click here.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.