Every year, hundreds of thousands of devoted attendees pack the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Track to witness one of the world’s favorite musical and cultural events: the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest). Why is Jazz Fest so popular locally and globally? Because it both celebrates and fosters the rich cultural contributions of New Orleans and Louisiana to the world, presenting hundreds of artists and artisans whose creative expressions have influenced multiple generations and even more genres of art, craft, food and – most of all – music.
Running over two weekends – the last in April and first in May – Jazz Fest is a feast for the senses. It features up to 80 performers per day across multiple themed stages that highlight a full spectrum of musical styles, including African, Cajun, zydeco, gospel, jazz, blues and rock. Here, local favorites are equally appreciated for their contributions as top-billed musicians, and indigenous cuisine joins regional and worldwide crafts in completing the cultural experience.
The 2008 Jazz Fest will again be held at the Fair Grounds Race Course and run from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on April 25-27 and May 1-4. Ten stages of simultaneous music programming are complemented by an important, unparalleled Food Fair offering more than 100 varieties of authentic Louisiana cuisine and a stunning array of one-of-a-kind crafts available around the grounds in the Festival’s juried crafts areas. This year's musical headliners include The Neville Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Santana, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Sheryl Crow, Widespread Panic, Dr. John, Al Green, Diana Krall, Keyshia Cole, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, The Raconteurs, Irma Thomas, Steel Pulse, John Prine, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, Randy Newman and many more. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc. will hold its 2008 Gala fundraiser on Thursday, April 24 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Little Richard, the original wild man of rock 'n roll, will give his only Jazz Fest performance at the Gala.
 Jazz Fest History - A look at how one of the world's most popular festivals came to be, has evolved over the years, shares Louisiana's cultural roots, and continues to influence music to this day. more... |
 Jazz Fest FAQs - Check out these frequently asked questions (and their answers!) to get the who, what, when, where, why and how of Jazz Fest 2008. more... |
Jazz Fest Official Posters - Click to purchase posters of Jerry Lee Lewis by Francis X. Pavy and of "Rebirth" Phillip Frazier by Terrance Osborne.
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All About the 2008 Jazz Fest