2008 Line Up is out

[jmac]

The line up is out!!!! Depending on your musical tastes, you will either love it or be somewhat disappointed. I personally was not overwhelmed with the lineup...hopefully as the late nite shows start getting released they will be better. I have been going to Jazzfest since '95...haven't missed a year and I will certainly attend this year...I couldn't see myself not in Nawlins during "fess season"...first weekend did little for me, 2nd weekend was ok...

[marignygreg]

Lets do some trading. I'll trade Billy and Sheryl for Stevie and Randy ??

[Mule]

I just saw the line-up for the 2 days I'm attending, May 2 and May 3. My eyes welled up with tears of joy when I saw STEVIE WONDER on Friday. I just couldn't get to any of his shows last year and I thought I'd missed my opportunity to catch him live. Bought my plane tickets 2 weeks ago. The stars have aligned! How am I going to get anything done between now and May when I've got this to look forward to????

[ohio]

The most diverse and appealing line up ever! If anyone can think of a better one, i'd love to see it.

[jerseygirl67]

Question: Because this is only my 2nd Fest, do acts like Billy Joel or Sheryl Crow play on the stages at the Fest or are they the night acts that you need to get additional tix for?

[djgriff]

Everyone on the lists is at the Fest. Kind of hard to believe, isn't it!

[jerseygirl67]

I can't WAIT to see Elvis! I've seen him 4 times, 3 on his own and once with the Charles Mingus Orchestra! SO EXCITED!!!!!

[rosetree]

Question: Because this is only my 2nd Fest, do acts like Billy Joel or Sheryl Crow play on the stages at the Fest or are they the night acts that you need to get additional tix for?

All of the announced acts are for the Fairgrounds, so yes, Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, et.al. will be on stages at the Fest!!!!!
WHOOO-HOOOOO!!!!

[Frosty]

2nd Sunday is LOADED!

The Neville Brothers, Santana, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, The Radiators, The Derek Trucks Band, Keb’ Mo’, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Snooks Eaglin, Tribute to Mahalia Jackson feat. Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville & Dumpstaphunk


This is NUTS!

[jmac]

I don't want to open "can of worms"...but '96, '99, '00, '02 & '06 blows away the '08 line up...some highlights".,,just my opinion...everyone has different tastes...but as long as the George, Art, Leo, Zig, Ivan, The Rads, PGF, Dr John, John Mooney, Subdudes, Nevilles, Jon, Cleary, etc...how can it be bad!!!

[nashvegasfess]

2nd Sunday is LOADED!

The Neville Brothers, Santana, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, The Radiators, The Derek Trucks Band, Keb’ Mo’, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Snooks Eaglin, Tribute to Mahalia Jackson feat. Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville & Dumpstaphunk


This is NUTS!


Cashews and macadamia to start.

[jmac]

I agree..2nd Sunday is the the DAY!!!

[Frosty]

Cashews and macadamia to start.

Well, I'm going to go Cuckoonuts trying to catch even half of those shows!

[BillericayDicky]

Well, I'm going to go Cuckoonuts trying to catch even half of those shows!
Claer case of FOMS. No known cure!:eek:

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Life Is Great!!!!!

[The Dude]

As I sit in Seattle this morning...I thought I'd check to see if the lineups were out before I jumped on my plane...WOW!!! Can't wait until 2nd weekend....AMAZING!!! Now my flight won't be so bad back to Houston..

[jazzfestchic]

Life Is Great!!!!!

Yes it is baby!!!!!

[bluesgirl]

No Madison Bumble Bees? :(

I flove that only at Jazz Fest would Marcia Ball be listed above Jimmy Buffet. :D

[Dr. A.]

i think the lineup is average, which still makes it the premier festival in the country. i dont care much for the bnas, but that's just me. based on the dribblings of info, i had thought second weekend would be better than first, now think the opposite is true, and i might change my mind again. still, for me, i think the second thurs and fri are better than the latter two days and i will mostly likely skip the last day.

heck, i'll probably give in and go that day too and stay clear of the two main stages.

[AtPontchartrain]

No Madison Bumble Bees? :(

I flove that only at Jazz Fest would Marcia Ball be listed above Jimmy Buffet. :D

That surprised me ... I tried to track any kind of tour for Elder Babb, but, not surprisingly, he does not have much of a web footprint.

I was tickled that all of the listings were that way. Buckwheat Zydeco listed before Sheryl Crow & Robert Plant, Dr. John before Billy Joel, etc. There are nice surprises here and there mid-list, for example....

The Carolina Chocolate Drops!!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Yes it is baby!!!!!

YES!!!!
<Huge Smile>

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

How about some Ruthie Foster!
Her 1st JF!!!

[Rossvegas]

I don't want to open "can of worms"...but '96, '99, '00, '02 & '06 blows away the '08 line up...some highlights".,,just my opinion...everyone has different tastes...but as long as the George, Art, Leo, Zig, Ivan, The Rads, PGF, Dr John, John Mooney, Subdudes, Nevilles, Jon, Cleary, etc...how can it be bad!!!

Jmac, I truloy respect your opinion, but I think it needs to be said that things are still far from "normal" as far as the New Orleans musical community are concerned. Many of the players are still scattered, and just getting to NOLA for the Fest can be a challenge. I personally think it's a fantastic lineup (and I was there in all the years you mentioned), and I know that once you hear the dulcet tones of that talking cooler, this year's lineup will rise to join the ranks of your faves.

Personally, I will have no problem passing on Sheryl Crow or Widespread Panic, but that just makes the FOMS so much easier, you know? Bring it on!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Above average lineup!
How about some John Butler Trio!

[BillericayDicky]

How about some Ruthie Foster!
Her 1st JF!!!
Just playing her album now Fred really cool. On my list!

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Just playing her album now Fred really cool. On my list!

That woman has soul.....
So glad for her to be on this years lineup.

[NYMAMA]

How about some Ruthie Foster!
Her 1st JF!!!


iSN'T THAT TERRRRRRIFFFFFIC!:D

[Chicago Fest Fan]

I think 2nd weekend is much better then 1st. This is my first time attending first weekend after many years of being a 2nd weekend devotee.
I alway think the opposite weekend has the better lineup , because I know I wont being seeing them. Must be the green eyed monster in me.
I ain't complaining though, any day at fest is better then the -25 degree windchill that I am sitting in right now.

[Staxsun]

I think my two favorite days are from two different weekends. That, I believe, is a good sign. U R always going to miss something great even if you're there every day.

[mookie]

And I'll say it again,
There ain't no such thing as a bad day at Jazzfest!!!

[marignygreg]

Sheryl and Billy are big enough BNA's fo sure, just not my cup of tea. Now John Prine and Stevie,O'H YEAH !! I am a little envious of the 2nd week, but when I look at the 1st week lineup I still get FOMS and that is what counts most or at least that iz what I'ma gonna keep saying to meself.

[nashvegasfess]

And I'll say it again,
There ain't no such thing as a bad day at Jazzfest!!!

Fire was a big deal for the caveman.

Drink of water in the desert is good.
:-}

[pokerchick66]

I don't want to open "can of worms"...but '96, '99, '00, '02 & '06 blows away the '08 line up...some highlights".,,just my opinion...everyone has different tastes...but as long as the George, Art, Leo, Zig, Ivan, The Rads, PGF, Dr John, John Mooney, Subdudes, Nevilles, Jon, Cleary, etc...how can it be bad!!!

You left out 2007! lol, I think last year's was THE BEST fest I've ever been to. The lineup was off the hook! I can hardly wait to go to this year's. Lookin good! :p

[Zydekitten]

You left out 2007! lol, I think last year's was THE BEST fest I've ever been to. The lineup was off the hook! I can hardly wait to go to this year's. Lookin good! :p
And I can't wait to see you there, baby! :D

[pokerchick66]

And I can't wait to see you there, baby! :D

Awwww, ty, boopie! :D

I'm ready for some mo food . . .

[Leni]

We had heard in the past that Festival Productions partner AIG or AEG (not sure the name) was going to bring in huge national acts because of its deep pockets. The good news is that this year we don't see really huge acts other than Tim McGraw, unless I'm missing something, which maybe I am. And unless you know alot about New Orleans music, the lineup may not excite many people. So hopefully, the crowds won't be too out-of-control.

[ChiTownHuck]

Above average lineup!
How about some John Butler Trio!

Amen. I am sure they are going to fill up the Fairgrounds with an awesome vibe.

Its all good. I can not wait.

[bluesgirl]

We had heard in the past that Festival Productions partner AIG or AEG (not sure the name) was going to bring in huge national acts because of its deep pockets. The good news is that this year we don't see really huge acts other than Tim McGraw, unless I'm missing something, which maybe I am. And unless you know alot about New Orleans music, the lineup may not excite many people. So hopefully, the crowds won't be too out-of-control.
:confused: Robert Plant :confused:

[Carolina Beadhead]

We had heard in the past that Festival Productions partner AIG or AEG (not sure the name) was going to bring in huge national acts because of its deep pockets. The good news is that this year we don't see really huge acts other than Tim McGraw, unless I'm missing something, which maybe I am. And unless you know alot about New Orleans music, the lineup may not excite many people. So hopefully, the crowds won't be too out-of-control.

I'm thinking Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, Santana, Widespread Panic, Jimmy Buffett and Stevie Wonder might qualify as recognizable names.

[AtPontchartrain]

I'm thinking Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, Santana, Widespread Panic, Jimmy Buffett and Stevie Wonder might qualify as recognizable names.

I think Alison Krauss has drawn some pretty big crowds herself in her day, even without Robert Plant.

[Frosty]

And I'll say it again,
There ain't no such thing as a bad day at Jazzfest!!!

You can say that again!

[Frosty]

I think Alison Krauss has drawn some pretty big crowds herself in her day, even without Robert Plant.

Best kept secret in music. Hotter than Hell and more talent than even the Devil can give you.

[zepevermore]

Plant/Krauss, Cheryl Crow, Tim McGraw all on opening day?!?!? WOW! PARTY TIME!!! http://images6.theimagehosting.com/cheers.8b4.th.gif (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=cheers.8b4.gif)

[mendelj2]

Above average lineup!
How about some John Butler Trio!

And just think, the average for the fest so high!

I have second weekend envy, but less BNA's first weekend makes the days much easier to deal with.

Eat, dance, wander!

[sophisticated sissy]

Great news! Great line up! Once again, they've outdone themselves.
So cool that OZOMATLI is back again this year.
Nice to see the Reggae on the list, too.:)
It's going to be a wonderful Jazz Fest!

[ozzie]

WOW... this is a first! Jazz Fest news hits our local news...

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=371563

And that be one of the benefits of BNAs I guess. The article gives a little general info about the Fest so that at least will reach a few of our readers. If it wasn't for Stevie W, then I doubt the article would have run at all.

[Newcomer]

I'm set for the first weekend, but I clearly picked wrong this time. Randy Newman and Richard Thompson. Double ouch. First weekend may have big names, but each of those guys has a 40-year resume to die for. Oh well. Guess I'll have to load up on the club dates. At least I'll get Allen & Elvis, the Doctor, and the Big Chief Monk Boudreaux.

[sophisticated sissy]

Yeh, the shows by Dr. John, Allen Toussaint & Elvis Costello are the ones I really want to see the most from 1st weekend. But, I won't be there! Hope you enjoy 'em! :)

[Blitzzzzz]

I think this year is the first since the thing where the second weekend isn't getting the short end. Others may disagree, but for the last two it has seemed that way. Still too many BNAs whose music is un-related to the root for my taste, and not enough blues besides the always terrific Louisiana staples. Would love to see Roomful of Blues, Taj Mahal, Etta James, Nappy Brown, Bobby Bland, Lucky Peterson, Bernard Allison, Charlie Musselwhite, John Mayall, Debbie Davies, Michelle Wilson, James Harman...
You get the idea.

Still, as a 2nd weekender, I'm much happier than I've been the past two years!:cool:

[AtPontchartrain]

I think this year is the first since the thing where the second weekend isn't getting the short end. Others may disagree, but for the last two it has seemed that way. Still too many BNAs whose music is un-related to the root for my taste, and not enough blues besides the always terrific Louisiana staples. Would love to see Roomful of Blues, Taj Mahal, Etta James, Nappy Brown, Bobby Bland, Lucky Peterson, Bernard Allison, Charlie Musselwhite, John Mayall, Debbie Davies, Michelle Wilson, James Harman...
You get the idea.

Still, as a 2nd weekender, I'm much happier than I've been the past two years!:cool:

Somewhere between the BNA's and the local acts are the ones I find the most interesting and look forward to discovering or rediscovering, like:


John Prine
Richard Thompson
Ruthie Foster
Lizz Wright
Barbara Lynn
The Count Basie Orchestra feat. Patti Austin
Harlem Blues and Jazz Band
Ponderosa Stomp Revue
Del McCoury
Bettye LaVette
Gene “Duke of Earl” Chandler
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Music Makers’ Relief Foundation’s Blues Review
Ann Savoy’s Sleepless Knights
Gina Forsyth & the Malvinas
The Raconteurs
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
Tribute to Tuba Fats


I could go to Merlefest and see some of these, or to a bluesfest and see some, or to the Festival Acadiane, but there's nowhere else I can see them all like this and still have the BNA's and the locals and the food fest and the crafts fest.

[Jordan]

I'm set for the first weekend, but I clearly picked wrong this time. Randy Newman and Richard Thompson. Double ouch. First weekend may have big names, but each of those guys has a 40-year resume to die for. Oh well. Guess I'll have to load up on the club dates. At least I'll get Allen & Elvis, the Doctor, and the Big Chief Monk Boudreaux.

First weekend has some great acts --
Fri - Big Sam, Leo Nocentelli & Bernie Worrell, Dwayne Dopsie, Twangorama (a must see if you like guitar), Shamarr Allen, Robert Plant (maybe with guests)
Sat - Dr John, OAR, Cowboy Mouth, James Cotton, Walter Wolfman Washington, DavellCrawford, Rosie Ledet, Tricia Boutte, Bobby Lounge (my fest highlight of last year), Crown Seekers
Sunday - Irma Thomas, Al Green, Elvis Costello, Voices of the Wetlands, Roy Young, Beausoleil, Nick Payton, Freddie King, Egg Yolk Jubilee, Midnite Disturbers, David Egan, Higher Dimensions of Praise.

I'd also guess that there will be a significant tba added to Saturday.

[Michelino]

All those are good and I will gravitate to groups like Egg Yolk Jubilee whom I've wanted to catch for some time

Let me recommend Mamadou Diabate and his band once more. Not only is he an amazing virtuoso on the 21 string kora, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kora_(instrument)) but Bala Kouyaté on the balafon (an ancestor of the vibes) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balafon) is quite a treat, the interplay between them and whomever Mamadou brings to play talking drum will be a highlight for any one who has never seen this group.

[Newcomer]

I am looking forward to many of the acts, not all of them big, on 1st weekend. I love Mahogany Brass Band on Saturday at the Heritage Stage. I just hope Kirk Joseph is strong enough to play with them. Del McCoury is another strong act in the 1st weekend. Still, I'd have to say the most talent, or at least people I'd want to hear, are in the second weekend, and I haven't felt that way the past two years. Soul Rebels, John Boutte, as well as the aforementioned RANDY NEWMAN AND RICHARD THOMPSON. I'm beginning to wonder if I can delay my return a few days....

[ozzie]

All those are good and I will gravitate to groups like Egg Yolk Jubilee whom I've wanted to catch for some time

Let me recommend Mamadou Diabate and his band once more. Not only is he an amazing virtuoso on the 21 string kora, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kora_(instrument)) but Bala Kouyaté on the balafon (an ancestor of the vibes) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balafon) is quite a treat, the interplay between them and whomever Mamadou brings to play talking drum will be a highlight for any one who has never seen this group.

Papafrog emailed me last week 'cos Mamadou Diabate is playing at a little arts centre right around the corner from us in March. Woohoo... no travelling!

[Cleophus]

Great lineups -- I am predicting that 2008 will break past Fest attendance records.

[swag]

I flove that only at Jazz Fest would Marcia Ball be listed above Jimmy Buffet. :D

YYR.

Jazzfest always lists the Headliner (Acura stage closer) as the 2nd name on the Dailies, except for 2nd sundays.

[SickStrings]

I picked second weekend arbitrarily, knowing that there would be something good to see no matter what, but this may be the worst case of FOMS possible. The best part is the near fifty fifty split between acts I've seen and loved and the ones I've been dying to see. I'm already confused and there aren't even cubes yet.

[csoul]

I picked second weekend arbitrarily, knowing that there would be something good to see no matter what, but this may be the worst case of FOMS possible. The best part is the near fifty fifty split between acts I've seen and loved and the ones I've been dying to see. I'm already confused and there aren't even cubes yet.

Don't panic, ss. You picked well. Either weekend, you're gonna' miss something you really want to see. And either weekend, you're gonna' find something really incredible & really unexpected. Being the parents of 2 young souls, Mr. Soul & I can only attend 1 weekend. We always pick 2nd, and here's why. By my way of thinking, if I'm sitting at home 1st weekend, I'm bummed because I'm missing alot of good stuff, but I'm filled with joy because of the anticipation. If I flipped it around & attended 1st weekend, there's nothing to look forward to when I'm sitting at home 2nd weekend. It's all over. PLUS, there's always the possibility that I would just refuse to get on the plane & go home. That could cause all kinds of problems ;)

[NYMAMA]

Great lineups -- I am predicting that 2008 will break past Fest attendance records.

I agreee. Isee some crowded days at the track.

[sophisticated sissy]

Things are really accelerating on the board. Posts that are only 4 hours old are already on page 2.
A sure sign of the approach of Jazz Fest!

[Chas_P]

And poor Michael. His last Crawfish Fest announcement just got burried by the blizzard when three days ago it would have been the talk of the town.

[sophisticated sissy]

I'm set for the first weekend, but I clearly picked wrong this time. Randy Newman and Richard Thompson.


Don't know what your travel plans are, but if you can still play around with the dates, Randy Newman is scheduled to perform in Lafayette, La. at the Heymann Performing Arts Center on 4-28-2008.

Richard Thompson is touring right now. Maybe he is playing a gig in a smaller club close to where you live?

[jhjpotter]

I think the lineup is incredible!! Great bna selections, and some less bna non-Nola acts. I'm psyched about the Ozomatli, Franti & Spearhead, John Butler Trio, Steel Pulse, The Roots, Kenny Wayne, and Jack White's real band the Raconteurs!! in addition to all my favorite NOLA Acts!!

[Corona]

I'm with ya on that one Jeff! Man, I almost peed my pants when I saw John Butler Trio! I'm NOT missing them this time. I absolutely love their cd's! Kenny Wayne is awesome. Saw him in Detroit last year and it was one of my favorite concernts. Can't believe Ozomatli is back too. Crazy!!! :)

[Cleophus]

Every day that passes, that lineup looks better and better. AMAZING lineup this year.

[csoul]

Every day that passes, that lineup looks better and better. AMAZING lineup this year.

YEP!!! I thought I was the only one reading the line-up......and re-reading it.....and reading it some more.......just gets better each time. Can't quit smiling! How many sleeps???????

[LisaRI]

this is a great lineup, so excited!I'm already set for first weekend. For BNA's I'm a little disappionted to miss out on the Stevie Wonder,but psyched to see Billy Joel who I've never seen before. As someone said elsewhere, jazzfest could bring out some good collaborators. looking forward to Robert Plant w/ Alison Krause, The Voice of the Wetlands, the Leo Nocentelli "Rare Gathering", Doyle Bramhall with C.C. Adcock & the Louisiana Marquis,Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, Davell Crawford, Nicholas Payton (heard but never seen) Egg yolk Jubilee and so many others. I'm trying not to look at the 2nd weekend lineup too much.

[LisaRI]

T

I was tickled that all of the listings were that way. Buckwheat Zydeco listed before Sheryl Crow & Robert Plant, Dr. John before Billy Joel, etc.

I was happy to notice that too.