Jazz Fest is the biggest of all New Orleans festivals, drawing in huge national acts, local artists, cultural experiences, and delicious festival food. Though you can expect world-class music and food every single year of the festival, 2015 has a few new additions worth noting. Take a peek!
The 2015 Jazz Fest poster commemorates Big Chief Bo Dollis. (Photo courtesy Jazz Fest on Facebook)
Inaugural Elton
Though he’s had a lasting career spanning five decades and is one of the best-selling musicians in the world, Elton John has never had the distinction of being a New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival performer. That changes in 2015. Elton John will play on the second Saturday, May 2, to what’s sure to be a packed festival ground.
Other Festival First-Timers
Hundreds of Louisiana musicians play Jazz Fest, as do other returning acts who love the city of New Orleans (Jimmy Buffett, for example, and Dr. John, who took last year off). However, there are a few acts headed to Jazz Fest this year for the very first time. Irish rocker Hozier, Atlanta rapper T.I., English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, Miami rapper Pitbull, and classic band Chicago will all take the stage in 2015.
New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts celebrates its 40th anniversary at Jazz Fest this year. NOCCA is a performing arts school whose graduates include Wendell Pierce, Anthony Mackie, Trombone Shorty, and Harry Connick Jr. – the latter two are also alumni of the Jazz Fest stage.