Organizers for the 2020 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival have canceled this year’s event due to the ongoing pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus.
A statement to the festival’s Facebook page read,
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to evolve unpredictably—and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our community, including musicians, fans, participants, and staff—Jazz Fest 2020 will not occur this fall, as previously announced.
This conclusion is made after much careful deliberation. It takes something truly momentous to interrupt a 50-year New Orleans tradition as special as the Festival, but we feel strongly that the most prudent course right now is to allow more time for the situation to stabilize. We thank everyone for their patience as we have considered all of the matters necessary to making this difficult decision.
That said, work has already begun on the presentation of next year’s Jazz Fest during its traditional springtime period. So save the dates: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell will take place April 22 – May 2, 2021. We hope to see you there.
Until then, be safe!
The statement went on to provide information to 2020 ticketholders, explaining that tickets to this year’s canceled event will remain valid for the 2021 festival. Ticketholders will receive an email no later than April 22nd regarding the refund process if they cannot attend the 2021 event. Read the full statement here.
This year’s lineup was set to include performances by The Who, Dead & Company, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Lionel Richie, and many more.
News of Jazz Fest’s cancellation comes just two days after New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell recommended that no large events take place in the city until 2021. During the press briefing, Cantrell specifically named Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, and Essence Festival as events that would be affected. For more information regarding the New Orleans Jazz Festival, visit its website, here.