Is I-49 dead in south Louisiana?
March 29, 2011April 2: Ladybug Ball Children’s Festival (Houma)
March 31, 2011Twelve stages of the world’s most diverse music, fantastic food showcasing Louisiana’s unique taste, and one-of-a-kind art creations. That’s right, it’s Jazz Fest time!
This year’s lineup is a proverbial who’s who in entertainment: Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Wilco, Willie Nelson, The Strokes, Robert Plant, Lauryn Hill, Tom Jones, Jeff Beck, Sonny Rollins, John Legend & The Roots, The Avett Brothers, Cyndi Lauper, Wyclef Jean, Mumford & Sons, Alejandro Sanz, Jason Mraz, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Lupe Fiasco, Arlo Guthrie, Jamey Johnson, Fantasia, Kenny G, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Decemberists, Gregg Allman Blues Band, Vickie Winans, Lucinda Williams, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Robert Cray, Bobby Blue Bland, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Edie Brickell, Keb’ Mo’, Rance Allen, Ahmad Jamal, Fourplay, Ricky Skaggs, Amos Lee, Jesse Winchester and Michelle Shocked.
Then there’s the hundreds of Louisiana artists: Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Pete Fountain, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Better Than Ezra, Rebirth Brass Band and plenty more.
And Houma’s own Grammy nominated bluesman,Tab Benoit, takes the stage solo Friday, April 29, and again May 7 with the Voice of the Wetlands.
“The 2011 Jazz Fest lineup will deliver an unprecedented balance of the traditional and the contemporary, in all of the many music categories the festival presents … along with the unending list of New Orleans super talents,” festival producer/director Quint Davis said. “This lineup reminds us that the artists we grew up with are now the icons of today, and that today’s new heroes are tomorrow’s heritage. We’re honored to able to once again celebrate the soul of America as only New Orleans and the Jazz Fest can.”
Anyone who’s ever attended a Jazz Fest will tell you the event feeds all the senses. The Food Fair offers classic New Orleans staples, Creole and Cajun offerings and international cuisine. In addition to the dizzying array of choices, even cupcakes and corn on the cob at the kid’s area, there are two cooking stages at the Grandstand demonstrating signature dishes from celebrated chefs.
The various crafts and marketplaces call to art lovers. Whether it’s pieces from Africa and the Africa Diaspora in Congo Square, contemporary crafts like handcrafted clothing, leather goods and hand-blown glass, or traditional and contemporary pieces created by local artists on display in the Louisiana Marketplace, visitors can find anything from the whimsical to the thought-provoking.
A unique feature of this year’s festival is the celebration of the Haitian culture – the largest in the U.S. since the earthquake a year ago. Haiti’s musical icons Wyclef Jean, Tabou Combo, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans and more will take the stage.
Single day and package deal tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster or at the New Orleans Arena Box Office.
