Jazz Fest lineup features Dylan, Buffett and Dave Matthews

New Orleans CityBusiness, Feb 15, 2006 by Kathryn Jezer Morton

A powerhouse lineup studded with national stars was announced today for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival by President Quint Davis. Davis announced the festival lineup at a press conference at the downtown Sheraton flanked by local musicians, including Irma Thomas. In an emotional statement, Davis said, In inviting the world to come to our festival, we are also inviting all of New Orleans home.

This is your homecoming dance. And this is your homecoming band. The first weekend of the festival, April 28-30, will feature the following talent: The Meters, Dave Matthews Band, Bob Dylan, Yolanda Adams, Allen Toussaint with special guest Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Hugh Masekela, Keb'Mo', Galactic, BeauSoleil avec Michel Doucet, Sonny Landreth, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers and dozens of local and regional acts. The festival's second weekend, May 5-7, will feature Fats Domino, Jimmy Buffett, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Keith Urban, Slick Rick, The Ohio Players, Little Feat, Koko Taylor, Algelique Kidjo, Pete Fountain, Jean Knight, Yonder Mountain String Band, Buckwheat Zydeco and more. Dozens of social aid and pleasure clubs, Mardi Gras Indian tribes, and brass bands will parade through the Fairgrounds throughout the festival. The festival's signature Louisiana Heritage Fair will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m for each of the six days of the festival's duration. The Food Fair will feature more than 100 food vendors. This year's festival is being supported by two new major sponsors: Shell and American Express. Through a promotional campaign by American Express called American Express Spotlights New Orleans' Own, local musicians Irma Thomas and the Rebirth Brass Band will be featured on the main stage of JazzFest, an honor usually reserved for international stars. Tickets for Jazzfest are now on sale at www.nojazzfest.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Prices are $30 in advance, $40 at the gate. Davis said there are a few schedule details left to work out and aday-by-day list of performance times will be available next week at the Festival's Web site www.nojazzfest.com.