Ever since the partnership between Festival Productions, the long time producing company of the Jazz Fest, and AEG Live, a massive music industry player, the annual event at the New Orleans Fairgrounds (April 24-26 and April 30-May 3) has grown in appeal and stature. This year is no exception with two legendary headliners from across the pond, The Who and Elton John, anchoring the Saturday lineups. There is also a big TBA for the last day.
For music lovers interested in intergenerational performers, jazz vocalist extraordinaire Tony Bennett will return to the fest with his singing partner of late, Lady Gaga. For funk fans, the original four members of the Meters will reunite for the first time in three years.
Other major acts of note include Ed Sheeran, Pitbull, Steve Winwood, Widespread Panic, Chicago, Jerry Lee Lewis, the O’Jays, Allison Krauss, Wilco, No Doubt, Terence Blanchard, and Jimmy Cliff. Of course the headliners are just the icing on the cake for hardcore festers. The rest of the lineup is drawn from the deep pool of New Orleans and Louisiana acts.
For local music lovers, Galactic has been hinting at a new singer joining the band and based on the Jazz Fest announcement, it looks to be Macy Gray. The Radiators will reunite once again. Dr. John will return after a one year hiatus.
Buzzy jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant made the cut as did African superstar Angelique Kidjo. Cassandra Wilson will perform a tribute to Billie Holiday. The full lineup is here.
Quint Davis, Producer/Director of the Festival, said, “To the whole world we say ‘Welcome to the 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell.’ With today’s announcement of the daily list of performers, we proclaim once again that New Orleans is the Soul of American culture, and the Festival that carries its name is the Soul of New Orleans. This year’s listing of over 500 bands marks an unprecedented musical gathering, even by Jazz Fest standards. Happiest of Fests to everyone; away we go!”
