TOP PICKS FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 26
Comanche Hunters
JAZZ & HERITAGE STAGE | 11:20 A.M - 12 P.M.
The Comanche Hunters are one of the tribes of Mardi Gras Indians that participate in the beautiful tradition of masking each year. Experience this unique tradition and the incredible hand made suits that are crafted over the course of an entire year.
HaSizzle "The King of Bounce"
CONGO SQUARE STAGE | 12:20-1:10 P.M.
Hasan "HaSizzle" Matthews has been a part of the NOLA bounce scene since his first produced hit "Bounce It Biggity Bounce It." He gained national attention when Drake sampled his song on his VIEWS album. Other bootylicious songs include "Wanna Be Love" and "Getcha Sum."
Gov't Majik
JAZZ & HERITAGE STAGE | 3-4 P.M.
Gov't Majik is a Louisiana-based band rooted in Afrobeats and Southern melodies. Their new album The Bass Age came out in the summer of 2023 and features psychedelic dance funk that is sure to be out of this world live. Songs from that album include "Come See" and "Sweet Thing."
Los Cumbia Stars
EXPEDIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE PAVILION | 3:30-4:30 P.M.
This Latin Grammy nominated group is a celebration of the rich tropical musical culture of Columbia. Cumbia is a musical genre and folkloric dance from Colombia that has become popular throughout Latin America. The band has made three energetic albums.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
SHELL GENTILLY STAGE | 3:45-5 P.M.
The Preservation Hall Jazz band has been touring since the '60s and has always been made up of a range of elite jazz musicians. They can usually be found performing at the iconic Preservation Hall. Charlie Gabriel is a core member of the band and has been playing music for over 75 years.
Jon Batiste
SHELL GENTILLY STAGE | 5:30-7 P.M.
Jon Batiste is a singer songwriter that does it all. He has scored the film Soul, was the musical director on The Late Show with Stephan Colbert, and has received many Grammy Awards. His unique blend of jazz, pop, and soul is perfectly showcased in his 2015 album We Are.
The Killers
FESTIVAL STAGE | 5:30-7 P.M.
The Killers are an iconic American rock band known for many songs, including the well-known "Mr. Brightside." The band has sold over 28 million records and has performed all over the world. Another beloved song is "Human," which came from their 2008 album Day & Age.
Jama Jama
BENNACHIN | CONGO SQUARE
The petite French Quarter-based eatery with strong African influences extends its iconic dishes to the Fair Grounds. Savor jama jama, or sautéed spinach, and fried plantains—a vegan and vegetarian delight. Carnivores can indulge in the chicken on a stick, or poulet fricassee.
Louisiana Trout Baquet
BAQUET'S LI'L DIZZY'S CAFÉ | HERITAGE SQUARE
Baquet's Li'l Dizzy's Café, brings perfected Creole soul cuisine to the Fair Grounds. Renowned for fried chicken and po-boys, Li'l Dizzy's receives high praise for each dish. Specialties include the Louisiana trout Baquet and the Louisiana trout Dizzy, reimagining the old-family recipe.
Starr Hagenbring
CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS | TENT I
The owner of Art & Eyes, a New Orleans fashion store, will showcase her eccentric and unique designs, from out-of-the-box eyewear to handmade jackets and apparel. Her jackets are experimental, as she creates her designs by painting, cutting, and stitching fabrics all together.
