TOP JAZZ FEST PICKS FOR THURSDAY, May 1
Higher Heights Reggae
CONGO SQUARE STAGE | 12:20-1:10 P.M.
The Higher Heights Reggae Band has been in the reggae scene since the 2000s and has been on tour for the Bob Marley Festival. This local New Orleans band has been invited to perform at Jazz Fest for over 20 years.
The Nayo Jones Experience
WWOZ JAZZ TENT | 1:35-2:35 P.M.
Accomplished jazz musician Nayo Jones has become a fixture in Louisiana's music scene, regularly performing at New Orleans festivals. Having opened for legends including George Benson, Jones promises to deliver a soulful, timeless jazz performance with her band as the Nayo Jones Experience.
Cedric Burnside
BLUES TENT | 1:40-2:35 P.M.
Memphis native Cedric Burnside, who is related to both Calvin Jackson and R. L. Burnside, promises an electrifying presentation of electric blues and hill country blues sounds. With his dynamic stage presence and unique sound, Burnside will showcase his groundbreaking take on the genre.
Alejandro Escovedo
FAIS DO-DO STAGE | 4:30-5:35 P.M.
A master of punk rock and alternative country, Alejandro Escovedo has gained a cult following for his work over the decades since starting with the Nuns in the 1970s. With his distinct blend of raw emotion and genre-blending sound, his performance should not be missed.
Santana
FESTIVAL STAGE | 5:25-7:00 P.M.
World-renowned Carlos Santana is returning with his band to play at this year's Jazz Fest. With worldwide acclaim for his work such as "Black Magic Woman," "Smooth," and "Evil Ways," Santana will ensure this year's Jazz Fest will be etched in history.
Morris Day & The Time
CONGO SQUARE STAGE | 5:50-7:00 P.M.
Back from the past, Morris Day & the Time are finally returning to the spotlight. Once sharing the stage with Prince himself, their stunning performances haven't aged one day over the years. This year will be no different
with a performance for the ages.
Lost Bayou Ramblers
FAIS DO-DO STAGE | 6:00-7:00 P.M.
Grammy-nominated Cajun band the Lost Bayou Ramblers blends traditional Cajun music with folk, rock, and jazz. Preserving Cajun heritage and bringing it to the future, their high-energy live shows will surely bring out the spirit of everyone this year.
Tamale de Pollo con Mole (Chicken Mole)
Tempero's Market Kitchen Y ella | Cultural Exchange Village
Primarily focused on ethical sustainability, Tempero's Market Kitchen has two decades of developing relationships with local restaurants and providing fresh ingredients. This year, they will serve their tamale de pollo con mole, which is a chicken tamale with Mexican mole sauce, to lucky festival goers.
Curry Chicken Pattie
Palmer's Jamaican Cuisine | Congo Square
If you're craving authentic Jamaican food while walking the festival grounds, make sure to stop by Palmer's Jamaican Cuisine for their featured dish this year, the curry chicken pattie. Their menu also includes Jamaican chicken and steamed rice with veggies.
Gogo Borgerding
GOGO Jewelry Studio | Contemporary Crafts
Someone to watch out for this year is jewelry artist Gogo Borgerding, who will be showcasing her dynamic sterling silver cuffs and other bold, statement-making adornments. The SCAD graduate specializes in metals and jewelry designs that are perfect to add to your festival wardrobe.
TOP PICKS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 2
Washboard Chaz Blues Trio
RHYTHMPOURIUM | 2:20-3:05 P.M.
Led by iconic percussionist Washboard Chaz, this trio plays New Orleans street blues, combining the harmonica, guitar, and washboard rhythms. The trio delivers foot-stomping but simplistic sounds to the stage, rooted in Louisiana's rich musical tradition. Their groove-heavy performances are distinctive with an infectious joy sure to get the crowd moving.
Kristin Diable & The City
LAGNIAPPE STAGE | 2:20-3:25 P.M.
Led by the powerful and smoky voice of New Orleans based singer-songwriter, Kristin Diable, this band exudes a distinctly Southern sound that honors Louisiana's rich musical heritage. The blend of soulful, folk, blues and Southern gothic influences create a raw and emotionally tangible sound.
Wesli of Haiti/Canada
CULTURAL EXCHANGE PAVILION | 3:10-4:15 P.M.
After learning to play on a guitar built from an old oil can and fishing line at 8 years old, Wesli has since become one of Haiti's most proud musical ambassadors. His energizing performances and blend of rhythms and lyrics with a variety of musical styles are an honor to witness.
Hurray for the Riff Raff
SHELL GENTILLY STAGE | 3:35-5:10 P.M.
Born in New Orleans in 2007, Hurray for the Riff Raff blends pop, punk, folk and bluegrass influences. The poetic lyricism of their songs, potent with social commentary, explore the theme of "Americana" through the ideas of journey, purpose, and human connection and condition for an evocative result.
Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet
FAIS DO-DO STAGE | 4:25-5:25 P.M.
Grammy award-winning Cajun band Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet blends a variety of Louisiana's beloved music styles such as zydeco, blues, jazz, and traditional Acadian fiddle tunes. Beausoleil brings an irresistible celebration of Cajun culture that continues to capture global attention for their tunes.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
SHELL GENTILLY STAGE | 5:45-7:00 P.M.
With iconic vocalist Joan Jett at the forefront, this legendary American rock band is known for top-hits including "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and "Bad Reputation." Jett started playing rock 'n' roll as a teenager in a male-dominated scene, in the all-female rock band the Runaways, and she infuses her rebellious spirit into each performance.
Joshua Redman Group feat. Gabriella Cavassa
WWOZ JAZZ TENT | 5:45-7:00 P.M.
World renowned saxophonist Joshua Redman will bring his first ever collaboration with a vocalist, Gabriella Cavassa, to perform the music of his latest album, Where Are We. This new album features various genres as Joshua Redman and Gabriella Cavassa perform mashups of new and old works.
Boiled LA Crawfish
Clesi's Seafood Restaurant | Food Area 1
If you're looking for some of the best boiled crawfish in the Crescent City, be sure to stop by Clesi's Seafood Restaurant stand. Their menu also includes Louisiana crawfish étouffée and Cajun crawfish dirty rice, giving festival goers lots of traditional local flavors.
Lucky Dog
Lucky Dog Inc. | Around the Grounds
For nearly five decades, Lucky Dog has dominated the French Quarter with their unique kiosks and delicious hot dogs. Their Lucky Dogs are perfect for eating on the run or keeping one hand free while the other records your favorite sets.
Starr Hagenbring
Handpainted Sculptural Clothing | Contemporary Crafts
Award-winning fashion designer Starr Hagenbring will be blessing Jazz Fest with her stunning collection of exquisitely hand painted, sculptural clothing at her tent. Her arrangements are freeform top-stitched and each one of her designs integrate playful artistry and meticulous construction.
TOP PICKS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 3
Pardon My French!
LAGNIAPPE STAGE | 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M.
New Orleans' charming French music ensemble blends vintage cabaret, jazz, and Parisian classics. Led by Broadway guitarist Pete Rozé and vocalist Caroline Fourmy, with Joshua Gouzy on bass and Michael Ward-Bergeman on accordion, they transport audiences to 1920s Montmartre.
Charmaine Neville Band
BLUES TENT | 12:20-1:10 P.M.
New Orleans jazz royalty Charmaine Neville and piano virtuoso Amasa Miller lead this dynamic ensemble, blending jazz, blues, and Caribbean rhythms. Their performances span traditional New Orleans jazz to contemporary fusion, showcasing Neville's powerful vocals and exceptional musicianship.
Black Magic Drumline
JAZZ & HERITAGE STAGE | 3:45-4:15 P.M.
Xavier University's Black Magic Drumline delivers explosive precision drumming and choreographed dance at Jazz Fest. Since forming as X-Factor in 2007, this dynamic ensemble has evolved into a cultural force, thrilling audiences with thunderous percussion, chanting, and high-energy performances.
Pearl Jam
FESTIVAL STAGE | 5:00-7:00 P.M.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pearl Jam will bring their arena-filling sound to Jazz Fest, fresh off their 13th studio album, Dark Matter. Eddie Vedder and company continue pushing boundaries while staying true to their grunge roots and authentic rock approach.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd with Bobby Rush
BLUES TENT | 5:30-7:00 P.M.
Blues guitar virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd will team with Grammy winner Bobby Rush, showcasing their Young Fashioned Ways collaboration. This powerful pairing combines Shepherd's electrifying guitar with Rush's soulful vocals and harmonica mastery, delivering an unforgettable cross-generational blues experience.
Ledisi Sings Nina
WWOZ JAZZ TENT | 6:00-7:00 P.M.
Grammy winner Ledisi presents her powerful tribute to Nina Simone, showcasing her masterful vocal range and emotional depth. With stunning orchestral arrangements, she channels the High Priestess of Soul's spirit while adding her contemporary style and flair to these timeless songs.
YaKa-Mein
Ms. Linda's Catering | Food Area 1
If you're in the mood for a savory bowl of yaka-mein, make sure to stop by Ms. Linda's Catering stand. Also known as "Old Sober," yaka-mein is a traditional New Orleans soup, and Ms. Linda Green has elevated it into a must have dish.
Jessica Strahan
Acrylic on Canvas | Congo Square African Marketplace
NOLA native Jessica Strahan is a muralist and painter who blends African influences and New Orleans culture onto her canvases with striking results. Art lovers should stop by her tent to step into windows of New Orleans' past, present, and future.
Kathleen Walton
1 Hide Bags | Louisiana Marketplace
Kathleen Walton will be presenting her "1 Hide Bags" to festival goers this year. Each bag is made from animal hides she has collected over her world travels and are hand crafted from start to finish into beautiful, one-of-a-kind, and fashionably sustainable products.
TOP PICKS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 4
Zachary Richard
FAIS DO-DO STAGE | 12:30-1:20 P.M.
If you love zydeco, Cajun music, and poetry, check out the perfect set by Zachary Richard. He has a fierce attachment to the French language and Acadian culture as a Louisiana native, and his music and cultural activism is deeply rooted in preserving that culture.
Patrice Fisher & Apra w/ special guests from Mexico
LAGNIAPPE STAGE | 12:40-1:20 P.M.
Jazz and Latin lovers are in for a treat when it comes to this performance by Patrice Fisher & Apra. The harpist and composer blends world sounds with original compositions with a twist of jazz music. This year's set will be accompanied by special guests from Mexico.
Sonny Landreth
BLUES TENT | 4:10-5:10 P.M.
Known for his slide guitarist musical style, also called slydeco, Sonny Landreth is one to watch. His eclectic style of blues, zydeco, and Americana music has earned him two Grammy nominations. If you love the blues, come see the legend who has preserved its sound.
Woodenhead 50th Anniversary
LAGNIAPPE STAGE | 5:30-6:25 P.M.
Helping to close out Jazz Fest will be the great sounds of Woodenhead. The Louisiana natives will be celebrating their 50th anniversary at their set. You don't want to miss this collaboration of seasoned musicians who showcase their skills with their original compositions.
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
FAIS DO-DO STAGE | 5:30-7:00 P.M.
Country music lovers do not want to miss Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives performance. The five-time Grammy winner has always connected with his audiences with his electrifying stage presence. This is not a set you want to miss.
Patti LaBelle
CONGO SQUARE STAGE | 5:45-7:00 P.M.
The Godmother of Soul, Patti LaBelle, will be captivating the stage on Sunday with her soulful vocals. LaBelle has achieved immense success over the past six decades. If you love old school R&B, Patti LaBelle is the performer you do not want to miss.
Kamasi Washington
WWOZ JAZZ TENT | 5:45-7:00 P.M.
You've probably heard his dynamic composer skills on Kendrick Lamar's 2015 and 2017 albums. Kamasi Washington is an artist and composer who has received Grammy and Emmy nominations for his work over the years. Newcomers will fall in love with this jazz performance showcasing his saxophone skills.
Old Fashioned Hand Made Ice Cream Sandwich Cart
Francofonte on Wheels | Heritage Square & Grandstand
It is important to stay cool during the warm Jazz Fest weather, so make sure to stop by Francofonte on Wheels' cart for one of their old fashioned, handmade ice cream sandwiches. Their sweet and cold treats are sure to keep you going.
Kaeko Maehata
Augusta Glass Studio | Contemporary Crafts
Originally from Toyama, Japan, Kaeko Maehata is a glass blowing artist who opened a studio in Augusta, Missouri in 1992 with artist Sam Stang. Maehata uses both old and new techniques, as well as color and form, to push the boundaries of contemporary hand blown glass.
Andrew Nichols
Andrew Nichols Art | Congo Square African Marketplace
Andrew Nichols is an artist originally from Brooklyn, and his work pulls from the triumphs and struggles of the African diaspora. His paintings invite viewers to challenge their perspectives, start conversations, and appreciate the beautiful cultural heritage of the African American community.
