By Data Staff Writers
After cancellations due to illnesses from The Rolling Stones’ and Fleetwood Mac’s lead singers Mick Jagger and Stevie Nicks, both whom were slated to be headliners at its 50th-year celebration, organizers of the world-renowned and beloved New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival have regrouped and will open on Thursday, April 25th, a day added this year to offer specially-priced tickets for locals. Bringing mega-watt star power from the likes of Diana Ross, Katie Perry, Aaron Neville, Pitbull and Earth, Wind and Fire, to name a few, the 50th celebration is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors seeking to experience local cuisine, music and the effervescent culture which is globally and undeniably distinct to New Orleans. Now in its 50th year, Jazz Fest continues its tradition of being a local and national staple for world-class food, entertainment and more.
Locals Thursday
Though back in its inaugural year Jazz Fest tickets sold for a cool $3, as the saying goes, times change. So in honor of their 50-year milestone, Jazz Fest is celebrating with “Locals Thursday” an extra day of Festing, offering specially priced tickets for locals with a valid Louisiana State ID. Festival organizers are looking forward to bringing even more acts to the stages and more fun to New Orleanians, many whom have opted out of the Festival in recent years because of rising ticket costs. Headlining on the Acura Stage on Locals Thursday will be the supergroup Earth, Wind and Fire who will close out, performing from 5:45-6:55. Thursday’s line-up will also include, international superstar Pitbull, Grammy nominated R&B singer Ciara, long-time megastar Tom Jones and Latino singing/rapping sensation J Balvin, among others.
50th Anniversary Line-Up
After experiencing two potentially devastating back-to-back blows with losing headlining acts The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac, Jazz Fest organizers seemingly didn’t miss a beat, recovering phenomenally with another all-star lineup of local, regional and national artists. This year, there will also be 20 tributes to New Orleans music legends including Fats Domino & Allen Toussaint. The special 50th-anniversary lineup includes: Irma Thomas, Katy Perry, Dave Matthews Band, Van Morrison, Al Green, Aaron Neville, Gladys Knight, Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, Chaka Khan, Kermit Ruffins, The Ellis Marsalis Quintet, Trombone Shorty, and many more.
Festival For Foodies
Foodies hailing from near and far flank to New Orleans all-year-round to experience the vastly diverse restaurant scene, and with two dedicated food areas and additional vendors spread throughout the Fairgrounds, Jazz Fest is as much a food festival as it is a music festival. Fest attendees will enjoy the plethora of Cajun and international eats like, Cajun Duck Po-Boys and Couscous with yogurt sauce, in addition to staples like the signature Crawfish Monica, Mango Freeze and Crawfish Bread. Other featured delicacies include: Stuffed Beignets (lump crab, praline, chocolate), Crawfish, Spinach & Zucchini Bisque, Shrimp Yakisoba, Alligator Sauce Piquante, Pheasant, Quail and Andouille Gumbo, locally made artisan Gelato and Sorbetto, Crawfish Strudel and White Chocolate Bread Pudding and traditional Beignets and Cafe Au Lait. But this is just for starters. There are many, many more unique foods to discover. Parents will also be delighted to find a Kids Food area featuring favorites for the little ones like, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Baked Mac & Cheese, Sloppy Jeaux Sandwiches, Fresh Strawberry & Yogurt Trifles, cupcakes and more.
Jazz Fest Tickets
There are several days and ways to enjoy Jazz Fest. Fest like a local with the bonus day, fest like a pro with weekend packages and bundles, or fest in luxury with a number of VIP options and experiences. Whichever route you take, plan to have a great time. Thursday, May 2nd will require a special ticket at a higher rate of $185. This day will also be a limited capacity day. All tickets include access to all performances day of validation, but food, drink and craft vendor purchases are not included in the ticket price. Discounted early-bird tickets are available, starting at $70. For more information on the festival lineup, tickets and more, visit the website at: nojazzfest.com
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