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40th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Preview
Yet, it's the variety of musical styles that has been perceived as both a blessing and a curse depending on the individual doing the perceiving. To the purist, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival long ago abandoned the "jazz" in its title and became more of a general music fest—a place to be seen, but one that is not a serious festival like Monterey or Newport. While to others, dependence on the tradition can sometimes make the festival seem stale or stodgy. Wherever you fall in the vast spectrum of musical opinion, a little objectivity provides festival goers a chance to experience what Jazz Fest really is about—a great time to experience music, food and culture influenced by southern Louisiana.
While the specific times for each act are yet to be published, it's not too early to plan on catching some of the big and not so big names performing at this year's event.
Weekend 1
The obvious choices are here as 
Wynton Marsalis
trumpetb.1961
Terence Blanchard
trumpetb.1962
Etta James
vocals1938 - 2012
If traditional mainstream jazz is your thing, vocalists 
Stephanie Jordan
vocals
Herlin Riley
drums
b.1957
Allen Toussaint
piano and vocals
1938 - 2015
Weekend 2
The big names are here again as 
Aretha Franklin
vocals
1942 - 2018
Tony Bennett
vocals
1926 - 2023
Buddy Guy
guitar, electric
b.1936
Dr. John
piano
1940 - 2019
Kermit Ruffins
vocals
b.1964
Dr. Michael White
clarinet
b.1954Tim Laughlin
clarinet
Kidd Jordan
saxophone
1935 - 2023
One more thing, the Mardi Gras Indian tradition is one you can't afford to miss over both weekends. Representing a tradition that goes back generations, theirs is a special brand of music and performance that is not easily described but is easily one of the most unique experiences you'll enjoy anywhere.
It's nearly impossible to highlight all that's good about Jazz Fest. You'll find yourself having to make some tough choices as great acts are always scheduled against each other throughout the days. Bottom line is this; it's hard to go wrong at a music and cultural festival as diverse as this. If you're predisposed to categories, toss them aside for these two special weekends and just go out to enjoy some good food, some good art and some great music.
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