The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell today announced the music lineup for the 2011 Festival scheduled for April 29 - May 1 and May 5 - 8. And it's with great pleasure to announce that Tom Jones has been added to this stellar line-up which include, Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Sonny Rollins, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Wilco, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Willie Nelson, The Strokes, John Legend & The Roots and hundreds of Louisiana greats.
With twelve stages of virtually every style of roots music, Jazz Fest presents one of the entertainment world’s most diverse music lineups, including its unparalleled showcase of Louisiana’s unique culture. Hundreds of thousands of fans annually flock to the seven-day event that has been called America’s best festival.
Quint Davis, producer/director of Jazz Fest said, "This lineup reminds us that the artists we grew up with are now the icons of today, and that today’s new heroes are tomorrow’s heritage. We’re honored to be able to once again celebrate the soul of America as only New Orleans and the Jazz Fest can.”
Randy Phillips, president & CEO, AEG Live, which co-produces the Festival said, "Once again, Quint Davis and the Jazz Fest Team have been able to amass one of the largest and deepest musical lineups of any festival in the world today. AEG Live is proud to play a major role in the production of this beloved event."
The 2011 Festival will also host the largest celebration of Haitian culture in the U.S. since the devastating earthquake one year ago. New Orleans and Haiti have shared a deep cultural connection for over three hundred years and many of the local traditions and customs owe their roots to this complex Caribbean country. The Jazz Fest is proud and honored to host the icons of Haitian music and culture including Wyclef Jean, Tabou Combo, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans, Emeline Michel, Djakout #1, DJA-Rara and Ti-Coca & Wanga Négès. The many cultural connections will be illustrated throughout all aspects of this year’s Festival. Some highlights include traditional Vodou drumming performances, folk crafts demonstrations led by visiting master artisans and rara band DJA-Rara parading throughout the Fair Grounds. With the support of the Green Family Foundation, the program will also include a series of scholar-led panel discussions entitled Haiti & New Orleans: Cultural Crossroads as well as a listening station featuring excerpts from the Grammy nominated recordings of Dr. Alan Lomax made in Haiti for the Library of Congress in 1936-1937.
Tickets for the Festival, which takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, went on sale today. A limited number of discount ticket packages including tickets to each day of a particular weekend of the Festival will be offered. Ticket packages purchased for all three days of the first weekend (April 29, 30 & May 1) will be $120 ($40 per day), while second weekend packages purchased for all four festival days (May 5, 6, 7, & 8 ) will be $160 ($40 per day). (Tickets included in each package are day-specific.) Advance single day Jazz Fest tickets are only $45; the gate price is $60. Children’s tickets (ages 2 - 10) are still only $5 and are available at the gate only. Single day tickets to Jazz Fest are on sale by specific weekend, with each ticket valid for a single day’s attendance.
Tickets are available at www.nojazzfest.com and www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (+1) (800) 745-3000. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at the New Orleans Arena Box Office. All Jazz Fest tickets are subject to additional service fees and handling charges.
Tom Jones will be performing on Sunday May 1st, for a detailed line-up and festival information please go to www.nojazzfest.com