One of the greatest living legends of one of the greatest jazz eras, 80 year old tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, headlines a 2011 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival lineup that covers more than a century of jazz history: from its earliest roots to present day smooth jazz, starring multi-platinum-selling soprano saxophonist Kenny G. Also appearing this year, as they do every year, is the Preservation Hall Jazz Band celebrating 50 years of keeping the old-style New Orleans jazz alive.
Other internationally renowned jazz greats appearing during the seven-day festival (stretched out over two weekends) are pianist Ahmad Jamal, bassist Ron Carter and best-selling modern jazz quartet Fourplay featuring pianist Bob James and guitarist Chuck Loeb. And, as icing on the cake, nearly all of New Orleans’ top jazz musicians – from trumpeters Terence Blanchard, Kermit Ruffins and Irvin Mayfield and clarinetist Pete Fountain to numerous brass and ragtime bands to modern Latin jazz combos — will be performing this year.
And, in keeping with the JazzFest’s mission of offering a wide variety of musical genres, this year’s event also stars such renowned contemporary artists as:
- Kid Rock
- John Mellencamp
- Willie Nelson
- Bon Jovi
- Jimmy Buffet
- Robert Plant
- Greg Allman
- Robert Cray
- Charlie Musselwhite
- Michelle Shocked
- Lucinda Williams
- Maceo Parker
…and hundreds more groups and solo artists.
Begun in 1970 to commemorate the great heritage of jazz in New Orleans, JazzFest has expanded into nearly all genres of popular music. Besides traditional (Dixieland) styles, JazzFest now features blues, gospel, soul/R&B, international music (especially African, Latin and Caribbean), funk, country/western, hip hop, Cajun/zydeco, folk and just plain good ol’ rock and roll. Even New Orleans’ famous and colorful Mardi Gras Indians! In short, there is something for everyone with any sort of musical taste and preference. A great mix of local performers and internationally renowned “big names.”
For a complete day-by-day lineup click here.
In addition to the music, there is also an abundance of culture and food scattered widely around the festival site. Artwork, works of craftsmanship, collectable posters, books, CDs, DVDs and much more are offered for sale, along with some of the most fabulous food you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Crafts & Marketplaces
- Painters, sculptors, jewelry designers, basket weavers and many more skilled craftspeople have their handiworks on display and for sale during each day of JazzFest. The number of regionally and nationally acclaimed artists has now grown to more than 300, concentrated in four distinct event venues.
- At Congo Square you can experience music and art from Africa and the African Diaspora. The Congo Square stage features performances by African, African-American, African-Caribbean and Latino musicians. Shop at Congo Square African Marketplace for original paintings, sculpture, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and an array of handcrafted artworks.
- Contemporary Crafts is a nationally recognized showcase of alluring handcrafted clothing, beautiful leather goods and hand-blown glass, along with a brilliant array of paintings, photographs, sculptures and irresistible jewelry.
- In the Louisiana Marketplace, the state’s finest traditional and contemporary artists display and sell hand-colored photographs, pine needle baskets, whimsical jewelry, and other creations that evoke the state’s unique cultural history.
Food
- Nowhere else will you find such matchless cuisine as is found at JazzFest. The Food Fair offers classic New Orleans staples and over time has expanded to include Creole and Cajun offerings as well as international cuisine. You’ll find everything from appetizers to yummy desserts: whatever your tastes happen to be.
- In addition to the dozens of fine foods offered, there are two cooking stages at the Fair Grounds Grandstand demonstrating the rich culinary history of New Orleans and offering samples of signature dishes featuring local ingredients from celebrated chefs, farmers, fishermen, and home cooks.
For further information, please visit the festival’s official website at www.nojazzfest.com and the festival’s sponsor, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.
Jazz Fest 2011 poster unveiled
JazzFest posters have become much-sought-after collectable souvenirs over the years and this year’s poster keeps the tradition alive. Featured on the 2011 poster is a colorful, circa 1967 portrayal of a very young Jimmy Buffett playing his guitar and singing on a street corner in the French Quarter. The poster, adapted from a painting by local radio personality and artist Garland Robinette, is titled “Busking Out: Becoming Jimmy Buffett.” Busking is street slang for playing music for tips. The Congo Square poster is an image of “Fats” Houston, as painted by Kenneth Scott Jr.
Posters will be available for sale at locations throughout the festival grounds and various other locales elsewhere in the city, but those who want to order them ahead of time can do so. They can be ordered by calling 888-278-4669 or by visiting the following website: www.art4now.com. Prices are $72.50 for numbered posters, $595 for posters signed by Buffett and Robinette and $895 for double-signed posters on canvas.
