New Orleans, Louisiana – As the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival kicks off, anticipation is high for a long-awaited performance by The Rolling Stones. This marks the third attempt for the legendary rock band to take the stage at the festival, with previous attempts in 2019 and 2021 being derailed due to unforeseen circumstances.
The festival, known for its diverse lineup of music acts across various genres, opened its doors on Thursday, welcoming attendees to the historic Fair Grounds race course. With 14 stages set up throughout the venue, music lovers can enjoy performances from a wide range of artists over the course of two weekends.
Among the opening day acts were renowned rock bands like Widespread Panic and The Beach Boys, along with reggae artist Stephen Marley and jazz vocalist John Boutte. Festival producer Quint Davis expressed excitement for what’s to come, highlighting the exceptional talent and favorable weather forecast for the event.
Attendees were treated to clear blue skies, sunshine, and temperatures in the 80s on opening day, with long lines forming for refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, and coffee. As the festival continues through the first weekend, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Batiste, country star Chris Stapleton, and R&B singer Fantasia are set to take the stage, among others.
For many festival-goers, like Walter Agnew from New York, attending Jazz Fest has been a longstanding dream. Despite setbacks caused by COVID-19 in previous years, Agnew finally made it to the festival and expressed excitement for the lineup of performances, including Stapleton and Heart.
As the festival attracts a diverse crowd from all corners of the country, first-time attendee Leona Reed from Los Angeles praised the friendly atmosphere and the celebration of various music genres. Local New Orleans resident Ginger Schell, a regular Jazz Fest attendee, shared her love for the event’s unique blend of music and food offerings.
The highlight of this year’s festival is the much-anticipated performance by The Rolling Stones, their first time playing at Jazz Fest. With tickets for their show selling out quickly, fans are eagerly anticipating the iconic band’s setlist, which is expected to include both classic hits and new releases.
As the festival enters its second weekend, all attention will be on The Stones, with other stages shutting down to ensure fans can fully enjoy the marquee performance. Festival producer Davis emphasized the special nature of the event, emphasizing the euphoria and excitement that The Rolling Stones are sure to bring to the stage.
From showcasing the vibrant indigenous music and culture of New Orleans to highlighting Colombia’s rhythms, this year’s Jazz Fest offers a diverse and immersive experience for attendees. As the festival continues to draw music lovers and food enthusiasts alike, the spirit of celebration and unity through music remains at the heart of the event.