Aerosmith, Rod Stewart and Sting Top the 2018 New Orleans Jazz Fest Lineup

The legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns for another year with an old-school lineup of rock, soul, and R&B. Taking place just outside the French Quarter at the Fair Grounds Race Course, this year’s event will run from April 28 to May 7.

Topping the bill this spring is one of the most renowned rock bands of the modern-era, Aerosmith. Stephen Tyler, Joe Perry and the gang have been on a farewell world tour since last year, one that they expect could last until 2021. One of the biggest names in music, Rod Stewart, will bring his hits to the Jazz Fest stage, and Sting will also take the main stage this year. The former Police front man has been busy with his solo work, but don’t be surprised to hear live renditions of hits from his renowned rock band. The younger generation of rock n’ roll will be represented by Jack White whose upcoming third solo record will drop on March 23. Jimmy Buffet will no doubt fit right in with the rock and soul sounds of the rest of the headliners. The Mayor of Margaritaville will cover the Jazz Fest in laid back palm tree-vibes come spring.

The remaining lineup will be filled out by equally as impressive performers including Beck, Lionel Richie, David Byrne, Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Common, Steve Miller Band, Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, Khalid, Sturgill Simpson, Cage the Elephant, Steel Pulse, Charlie Wilson, Old Crow Medicine Show, Smokey Robinson, The Revivalists and Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit.

In addition to the main headliners, a slew of local NoLa artists will be representing Cajun, zydeco, bluegrass and Afro-Caribbean music. Big Freedia will bring her signature bounce music to the stage, while Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk will take to funky horns for his set. Louisiana-native Jon Batiste, current band leader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will play alongside legendary soul band The Dap-Kings. Speaking of legends, the renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band will also perform. And finally, what New Orleans lineup would be complete without local star Trombone Shorty who will play alongside his band Orleans Avenue.

Among the music, Jazz Fest will celebrate the heritage of its host city by way of plenty of local delicacies including Pecan Catfish Meunière, Alligator Pie and a good ol’ Crawfish Boil. The Louisiana Folklife Village will invite traditional craftsmen and craftswomen to demonstrate age-old techniques in crafting everything from accordions to parade floats. Native American heritage will also be celebrated by way of the Native American Village.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will take place from April 28 – May 7 at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Tickets can be purchased here.