TOP PICKS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 30
Comanche Hunters Mardi Gras Indians
Jazz & Heritage Stage | 11:25 a.m. to
12:05 p.m.
The 7th Ward Creole Hunters are a prominent Black Masking Indian tribe led by Big Chief Jermaine Bossier. They will be collaborating with the Golden Comanche Tribe, led by Big Chief Juan Pardo. Together, they will showcase New Orleans' unique Mardi Gras Indian tradition.
Zigaboo Modeliste Funk Revue
Festival Stage | 1:20-2:20 p.m.
Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste is a renowned percussionist and performer. He was a founding member of the Meters and has worked with artists such as Professor Longhair and Erykah Badu. Modeliste has many accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Rolling Stones' "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time."
Widespread Panic
Festival Stage | *Will now be starting at 2:00 p.m. due to weather*
Widespread Panic is a Southern rock band from Athens, GA. The band, led by John Bell, was formed when the artists went to the University of Georgia together. They have broken performance records all over the country and have played many iconic music festivals including Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
Sasha Masakowski as Tra$h Magnolia
Rhythmpourium | 4:45-5:30 p.m.
Sasha Masakowski is a New Orleans-based jazz singer who is currently working on a project called Tra$h Magnolia, where she performs original electronic pop music. The music, featuring synthesizers, loop machines, and drums, will transport you to a different universe.
Ingrid Lucia
Economy Hall | 5:45-6:40 p.m.
Ingrid Lucia is a jazz singer and songwriter, known for her unique vocals that she honed in New York. She blends the smoothness of jazz and blues with swing to create a vintage sound, helping to revive a musical era that many listeners yearn for.
Fred Wesley & his New JBs
WWOZ Jazz Tent | 5:45-7:00 p.m.
Fred Wesley is an iconic trombonist, composer, and band leader who has worked with Parliament-Funkadelic. His band mixes jazz, funk, and soul and is known for its lively rhythm section. His band's name is an homage to Wesley's time in James Brown's band.
Fry Bread
United Houma Nation | LA Folklife Village
The United Houma Nation is a Native American community from Louisiana and Mississippi. Their fry bread is a crunchy golden disk and can be served sweet or savory like an "Indian taco." They will also be serving shrimp or sausage maque choux.
Mango Freeze
WWOZ Community Radio | Around the Grounds
The Mango Freeze began as a beloved tradition to raise money and awareness for the WWOZ radio station. The sorbet has a bright and tangy flavor and is made with simple ingredients. Now, decades later, the drink is an iconic fixture of Jazz Fest.
Emma Fick
Emma Fick Art | Louisiana Marketplace
Emma Fick was born in Covington, LA, and moved to Serbia for two years after college. Her art is inspired by many Serbian mythological creatures, which she mixes with Louisiana symbols. Fick's illustrations also feature flora and fauna of southern Louisiana with a unique spin.
Starr Hagenbring
Starr Hagenbring | Contemporary Crafts
Starr Hagenbring uses vintage fabrics and
paints or embroiders over them to create unique patterns that people can wear.
Her fabric designs range from classical paintings to insects and skulls.
Hagenrings' clothes are filled with colors and shapes inspired by her world
travels.
TOP PICKS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 1
Pocket Chocolate
Shell Gentilly Stage | 11:20 a.m. to 12:10
p.m.
Pocket Chocolate is a NOLA-based funk and soul band. Their top-streamed songs on Spotify include "Tell Me Twice" and "Whatchu Know." This seven-piece band is currently in the studio working on their next album, with shows coming up, including one at Tipitina's.
Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie
Fais Do-Do Stage | 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie is a Louisiana Creole band that brings zydeco, country, and Western influences to their sound, creating a unique and enjoyable musical experience. Delafose's 2007 album Le Cowboy Creole was nominated for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album at the Grammys.
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
Fais Do-Do Stage | 4:25-5:25 p.m.
BeauSoleil is a Lafayette-based band bringing a modern twist to traditional Louisiana French music. The group released their first album in 1977, consisting of original Cajun folk music. This led to their Grammy Awards debut, where they won Best Traditional Folk Album.
The Skatalites
Cultural Exchange Pavilion | 5:00-6:00 p.m.
The Skatalites is a Jamaican ska band most prominent from 1964 to 1965, continuing to take the stage even 50 years later. They have worked with artists including Bob Marley & the Wailers and Prince Buster. They also have acquired Grammy Awards and nominations.
Lainey Wilson
Festival Stage | 5:20-7:00 p.m.
Releasing her first album in 2014, singer/songwriter and Louisiana native Lainey Wilson has gained widespread recognition for her country music. Wilson has been awarded various accolades, including 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, nine Country Music Association Awards, and one Grammy Award.
The Pfister Sisters
Economy Hall Tent | 5:45-6:40 p.m.
The Pfister Sisters have brought jazz performances to stages across NOLA since 1979 and have shared stages with Linda Ronstadt and Irma Thomas. The band's members—Holley Bendtsen, Yvette Voelker, Karen Stoehr, and Amasa Miller—replicate the intricate harmonies of the Boswell Sisters from 1925 New Orleans.
Crawfish Sack
Patton's Caterers | Food Area 1
Patton's Caterers makes a return appearance at Jazz Fest. Patton's serves off-sight catering, corporate events, and is connected to the Salmen-Fritchie House as a specialty venue. Don't miss out on crawfish season with their crawfish sacks and get one for yourself to fuel your festival endeavors.
Iced Café Au Lait
New Orleans Coffee Company | Food Area 2
New Orleans Coffee Company will be energizing crowds this Jazz Fest with their iced café au laits. New Orleans Coffee Company is a city favorite, serving as a coffee manufacturer whose products can be found in local grocery stores and online.
Steamed Veggies & Rice
Palmer's Jamaican Cuisine | Congo Square
Palmer's Jamaican Cuisine is cooking up steamed veggies and rice for guests looking for something to snack on near the Congo Square Stage. This is one of their many dishes they provide, which include Jamaican chicken, curry chicken patties, and spicy beef patties.
Chicquita Attipoe
Chicquita Attipoe | Congo Square
While seeing fantastic acts at the Congo
Square Stage, stop by jewelry stands and visit artists such as Chicquita
Attipoe. There, you can find uniquely designed metal jewelry that's both
durable and creative. Stop by Tent U to see Chicquita Attipoe's beautiful,
one-of-a-kind designs.
TOP PICKS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 2
Dee-1
Congo Square Stage | 11:20 a.m. to 12:25
p.m.
New Orleans-based Dee-1 is known for his conscious hip-hop, which is rooted in education, faith, and social justice. A former teacher, he gained national attention with songs such as "Sallie Mae Back" and for collaborating with Mannie Fresh, emphasizing positive messaging with mainstream rap.
The Paulin Brothers Brass Band
Economy Hall Tent | 12:25-1:25 p.m.
The Paulin Brothers Brass Band carries a multigenerational brass legacy that is rooted in second line tradition. Descended from the Paulin family, their performances emphasize parade rhythms, improvisation, and storytelling, reflecting decades of participation in Jazz Fest and New Orleans' street music culture.
Tribute to Jelly Roll's Red Hot Peppers
Economy Hall Tent | 3:05-4:05 p.m.
This year's Jazz Fest will feature a tribute to Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers, whose 1920s recordings, such as "Black Bottom Stomp," helped to define early jazz arranging. Jazz musicians Dr. Michael White and Shaye Cohn will be featured in the tribute and performance.
Ghalia Volt
Rhythmpourium | 4:45-5:30 p.m.
Belgian-born blues and rock singer/songwriter Ghalia Volt blends Mississippi hill country blues with garage rock. Known for albums including Mississippi Blend, she collaborates with Southern musicians and channels influences such as R.L. Burnside, building an international following through touring and impactful performances.
Little Feat
Blues Tent | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Little Feat blends rock, funk, jazz, and New Orleans influences. Known for songs and albums including "Dixie Chicken" and Waiting for Columbus, the band's intricate musicianship and background have sustained a following for decades despite lineup changes after founder Lowell George's death.
T-Pain
Congo Square Stage | 5:55-6:55 p.m.
T-Pain has revolutionized modern pop and hip-hop with his auto-tune vocals on songs including "Buy U a Drank" and "I'm Sprung." A Grammy-winning artist, he's influenced a generation of artists while also showcasing his natural vocal abilities in projects including On Top of the Covers.
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas
Fais Do-Do Stage | 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Fronted by accordionist Nathan Williams, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas have been staples of the genre since the 1980s. Grammy winners known for albums such as Follow Me Chicken, the band merges traditional Creole zydeco with blues and R&B.
YaKa-Mein
Ms. Linda's Catering | Food Area 1
Ms. Linda's Catering serves NOLA's iconic yaka-mein, AKA "old sober," with beef broth, noodles, eggs, and green onions. The dish is long associated with New Orleans street food culture. Ms. Linda Green became known at festivals for preserving this treasured Creole comfort dish.
Crawfish Monica
Big River Foods | Food Area 2
Big River Foods will be serving crawfish Monica, a very popular dish to be tried during Jazz Fest. The creamy, spicy pasta is loaded with Louisiana crawfish and seasonings, making it a staple that symbolizes the festival's focus on local cuisine.
Nicole Ockmond
Studio NO | Louisiana Marketplace
Studio NO artist Nicole Ockmond creates bold,
graphic works that are inspired by Louisiana's flora, fauna, and culture. Her
prints and designs are often seen across regional markets. The images she
creates combine modern illustration with New Orleans imagery and vibrant
colors.
TOP PICKS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 3
Marc Stone
Blues Tent | 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Marc Stone has become a staple of New Orleans' blues scene. Stone has released six albums, the latest of which, Shinning like a Diamond, has become critically acclaimed. He has collaborated with Walter "Wolfman" Washington, George Porter Jr., and many more artists.
Lil' Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers
Fais Do-Do Stage | 3:00-3:55 p.m.
First taking the stage at 2 years old, Lil' Nathan has gone on to perform for tens of thousands at the Bayou Classic, Jazz Fest, and more. The son of zydeco musician Nathan Williams, he's shared the stage with big names such as Kevin Gates.
Wanda Rouzan with Fabulous Friends Forever
Gospel Tent | 4:05-5:05 p.m.
Wanda Rouzan is a legend with a career spanning over 60 years, having first recorded music back in 1965 while studying at Xavier University. She's a Jazz Fest regular, making appearances since 1979, and incorporates jazz, blues, funk, soul, and more into her sound.
Teddy Swims
Festival Stage | 4:05-5:20 p.m.
Blending pop, R&B, and soul, Teddy Swims is a Grammy nominated artist with over nine billion streams with the help of hits such as "Lose Control." After selling out global tours, the Atlanta based artist is one not to be missed at Jazz Fest.
Robin Barnes & the Fiya Birds
Lagniappe Stage | 4:55-6:00 p.m.
Officially titled "the Songbird of New Orleans," Robin Barnes broke out in 2016 with her first EP Songbird Sessions, which reached #5 on Billboard's Traditional Jazz Chart. Her music has been featured on Queer as Folk and Daisy Jones & the Six.
Steve Earle feat. Anders Osborne
Fais Do-Do Stage | 5:40-7:00 p.m.
Steve Earle has had songs recorded by legends such as Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Anders Osborne showcases influences from artists such as Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Together, they will bring an immensity of history and skill to Jazz Fest this year.
Herbie Hancock
WWOZ Jazz Tent | 5:40-7:00 p.m.
Herbie Hancock, a Grammy-winning jazz legend, brings over 60 years of experience to the stage with songs such as "Chameleon" and "Cantaloupe Island." Don't miss the pioneer of jazz fusion performing some of the most recognizable songs in jazz's history.
Fried Oyster Spinach Salad
Vucinovich's Restaurant | Food Area 1
For when a po-boy is a little too heavy under the Jazz Fest sun, Vucinovich's fried oyster spinach salad is there for you. These corn-fried oysters sit on a bed of spinach and come with onions and a creamy sauce.
Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Roll)
Ba Mien Vietnamese Cuisine | Heritage
Square
Not in the mood for fried food? Ba Mien's Vietnamese spring rolls are light, cool, and a refreshing take on typical festival food. Made with herbs, rice paper, and vermicelli noodles, those rolls are perfect for a quick and healthy bite.
Andrew Pollack
Pollack Glass | Contemporary Crafts
Be sure to check out Pollack Glass' collection of sculpted and blown glass glimmering in the festival sun this year. Founded by Andrew Pollack, this local lampworking studio crafts a wide variety of beauties from beads and marbles to figurines and sculptures.
