New Orleans’ world famous Jazz Fest will return to the Fair Grounds Race Course from April 27th to April 29th and May 3rd to May 6th. Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Jimmy Buffet & His Acoustic Airmen,, Jack White, Beck, Lionel Richie, David Byrne, Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, Khalid, Sturgill Simpson, Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Common, and Cage the Elephant are scheduled to headline the iconic two-weekend celebration.

This year’s Fest will feature Beck’s long-awaited return after his 2016 set was cancelled due to inclement weather. It will also showcase a rare performance from New Orleans rockers The Radiators, who have only played gigs at Tipitina’s and Jazz Fest since the band began a semi-hiatus in 2011. Additionally, R&B star Anita Baker will swing through the festival on her upcoming farewell tour. 

Of course, plenty of local Louisiana artists will be on the bill, such as Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Revivalists, Aaron Neville, The Radiators, Big Freedia, Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jon Batiste with The Dap Kings, Dumpstaphunk, Sonny Landreth, Galactic, Better Than Ezra, Tab Benoit, Rebirth Brass Band, Tank and the Bangas, Anders Osborne, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Davell Crawford, Boyfriend, The Soul Rebels, Sweet Crude, Jon Cleary Kermit Ruffins (leading a tribute to Louis Armstrong), and many more. The festival will also celebrate the music of the late Fats Domino as well as the City of New Orleans’ 300th anniversary.

Other acts on the lineup include Juanes, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Steve Miller Band, Smokey Robinson, Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, Toots & The Maytals, George Benson, Steel Pulse, Delbert McClinton, Buddy Guy, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charlie Wilson, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Charles Lloyd & The Marvels with Lucinda Williams, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Ron Carter Trio, among many others.

The full lineup for Jazz Fest 2018 can be found via the festival’s website. Tickets are now on sale.

[Photo: Dave Vann]