Happy Jazz Fest Lineup Drop Day!
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is celebrating their 50th year. With an additional day added to the fest, you can catch various local and international artists at the Fair Grounds Race Course from Thursday, April 25 to Sunday, May 5, 2019. Today the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival announced their lineup and I must say it was worth the wait.
THE ALL-STAR LINEUP
Jazz Fest did not disappoint when it comes to bringing heavy hitters to the Big Easy for their 50th-year anniversary including The Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, Santana, Dave Matthews Band, Pitbull, Chris Stapleton, Al Green, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Night, Chaka Khan, Ciara, The O’Jays, Katy Perry, Ziggy Marley, Aaron Neville, and more.
There will also be twenty tributes this year including honoring Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, Professor Longhair, and many more. The lineup announced is included below with all of the artists performing at Jazz Fest 2019. For more information including the daily lineup, visit the official New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival site.
THE ROLLING STONES TAKE JAZZ FEST
Rumors starting stirring around at the end of 2018 that the Stones would be headlining Jazz Fest and it seems the rumors were indeed true! On Thursday, January 17, 2019, anyone with a Louisiana state I.D. will be able to purchase tickets (two per person) to see the Rolling Stones at Jazz Fest. Tickets will be sold at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on the plaza level starting at 10 am until 6 pm. There is a limited number available (rumored to be 5,000) and tickets are $185 + fees.
If you're not a Louisiana resident or can't make it to the Dome on Thursday, tickets will be available to the public the following day, Friday, January 18, 2019 at 10 am online at ticketmaster.com and at the Smoothie King Center Box Office.
Update as of April 9, 2019: The Rolling Stones will no longer be performing at Jazz Fest 2019 due to health issues. I wish Mick Jagger a speedy recovery and hope he can return to the Big Easy by the end of 2019 or in 2020. Also, Fleetwood Mac was scheduled to replace The Rolling Stones on the Acura Stage by Stevie Nicks has come down with the flu. I wish her a speedy recovery as well. Widespread Panic will be performing in that time slot and Thursday, May 2nd will become another Locals Day.
SINGLE DAY TICKET PRICING
Besides Thursday, May 2nd when the Rolling Stones are playing, single-day ticket prices are as follows.
Early-Bird Advanced Ticket: $70 (through February 1)
Advanced Ticket: $75 (through May 24 for the 1st weekend, through May 1 for the 2nd weekend)
Gate Price: $85
Children's (ages 2-10 with an adult) tickets: $5
Also, April 25th will be Local Thursday. Any Louisiana resident with a valid ID can purchase up to two tickets for only $50 each at the gate. The tickets are only valid for Thursday, April 25th and can not be used any other day of the fest.
Update as of April 9, 2019: Thursday, May 2nd will also be a Local Thursday.
VIP AND BRASS PASS
Three tier levels of VIP weekend packages are available for purchase which includes admission to each day of the fest that weekend, access to special viewing areas at the main stages, private beverage stands, souvenir laminates, express entrance lanes, hospitality tents and more. The VIP packages range from $750 to $2,000 per person per weekend.
This year's Brass Passes are sold out. The 2019 Brass Pass cost $675 and is valid for seven days of Jazz Fest (May 2nd aka Rolling Stones Day is not included). Though if you are a brass pass holder, you had the opportunity to purchase one ticket for Thursday, May 2nd per Brass Pass purchased. Brass Pass includes same-day re-entry into the fest, access to the WWOZ Hospitality Tent, access to both wi-fi and charging stations, and more.
PREPARING FOR JAZZ FEST
Now that I've provided you with all the general information you need to know, here are some of my Jazz Fest tips:
Bring a factory sealed water bottle. It's hot in Louisiana in April & May, you need to stay hydrated if you'll be festing all day.
Bring a collapsible chair. I advice purchasing one beforehand because stores around the area tend to run out when Jazz Fest is near.
Bring Cash. Most if not all vendors at Jazz Fest only take cash and the ATMs on the fest grounds charge a fee to withdraw money.
Bring an Umbrella and Poncho. Louisiana weather is unpredictable. You're allowed to bring small bags and backpacks so make sure to make a small umbrella and cheap poncho, just in case! Better safe than sorry.
Invest in Rain Boots. I think it's rained at least once every year I've attended Jazz Fest and my rain boots have been a lifesaver.
Wear a Hat. If you have a bucket hat, flat bill, baseball cap, boater hat, cowboy hat, or any type or hat that will help to block the sun and protect your face, wear it.
Wear Sunscreen. I made the mistake of not putting sunscreen on the last two days of the fest and 1) got so burnt, it was embarrassing 2) got overheated from the sunburn during the fest and had to leave early and missed Smokey Robinson's set. Don't be like me, wear sunscreen.
For more information on what you can and can not bring into Jazz Fest, here's a list.
You can view the lineup for the 50th Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival below.
