It’s that time of year again! The line up for the upcoming 51st New Orleans Jazzfest has just been announced–looks to be another great year! Here are a few thoughts on this years upcoming festival…

First of all, if you’ve waited until now to book, you’re behind. Pro tip: Just pick a weekend and book it before they release the lineup. There is always great music on both weekends, no matter what. It seems that over the years there is always somebody you want to see playing on either weekend, so unless you stay there for two weeks, it’s just impossible to see everybody–you’re always going to miss something! Second, this year seems to have a subtle (yet highly anticipated) influx of Salsa. Gran Combo is headlining the 1st weekend Sunday and I’ve noticed a ton of Puerto Rican Salsa on almost every day of the fest. This will be good, authentic Salsa, so check it out! Third, while the festival is the main attraction, don’t forget to save a day or two to spend some time in the city–the food is amazing (did I mention oysters?) and there is live music literally on every corner. Enjoy yourself! Last, make sure to do some research on all the other evening shows that will be happening at places like Tipitina’s, House of Blues, Howling Wolf, etc. While you don’t always see everyone at the Jazzfest, chances are that they are performing around town somewhere. Check back with us closer to the festival and we will do our best to provide some more pro tips and hit picks.

1st Weekend (4/23-26) looks to be incredible. First weekend Thursday is pretty much a brand new thing. In the past, Thursday (during 2nd weekend) was generally known as “locals day”. This is usually a great way to enjoy Jazzfest on a much more laid back and less crowded day. So this may be the first of two “local’s days”. I would bet that the crowds are going to be little thinner and it will be easier to navigate the festival, but this year that particular day’s lineup is a little weak (imo). If you end up going, make sure to see Nile Rodgers & Chic, and don’t miss Arturo Sandoval. If you’ve never been to a local’s day, I would try to go regardless of performers. If you only have so many days to visit the festival, I’d skip it this year.

Friday’s lineup is a little better–Lenny Kravitz is sure to rock the house as the headliner; Ian Neville’s Dumpstaphunk is really starting to elevate their funkiness; Terry Lyne Carrington & Social Science will be the one you don’t want to miss for modern jazz. There also seems to be a healthy dose of salsa from Puerto Rico. Saturday is a weird one to me, but perhaps bears a visit. The Who is headlining. While they are iconic, they are definitely not jazz. Furthermore, neither are The Avett Brothers (wtf??). This is one of my more major contentions with “Jazz Festivals” these days, but that’s a whole other Oprah. On the other hand, David Sanborn and Randy Brecker are performing together, which should be some serious jazz. The Soul Rebels will be good, as will be a longtime Jazzfest standard–The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Antonio Sanchez & Migration should be pretty sick for all you modern jazz heads out there. Once again, I’ve spotted some great authentic PR Salsa by the likes of Christian Nieves, Plena Cajellera and Comparsa.

Sunday looks to be THE day. I haven’t seen a more chock full lineup like this in a while. Check it: Foo Fighters are headlining (yes, not jazz but they f-ing rock the house) along with Erykay Badu (super cool jazz R&B) and Buddy guy (who brings the blues correct) plus the super heavy duty Salsa sounds of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico that will electrify the festival por seguro (for shizzle)! **Just a note that you won’t often get a chance to see El Gran Combo, so go to this day if at all possible**. Anders Osbourne will bring the southern funky R&B; Nicholas Payton 2020 should be awesome modern jazz. Of course, the day would not be complete without more PR Salsa! Check out Esencia and La Raiz if you have time.

2nd Weekend (4/30-5/3) is equally as good, depending on your mood. 2nd Thursday is full of heady goodness: The Black Crowes, Jimmy Cliff, John Scofield & Dave Holland, and Ellis Marsalis. There looks to be a ton of Salsa on the docket as well and it’s the local’s day you DO want to go to. Friday features Wu-Tang Clan (great, but again, WTF?), Leo Nocentelli, Joey Defrancesco performing with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Did I mention there will be a ton of Salsa?

Saturday brings the Isley Brothers, Count Basie Orchestra, Galactic, The Meters, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, plus Bill Summers and Jazzalsa (one of my absolute favs). Again, the Salsa is strong in this festival, so do your homework–there is plenty of it to see in between the bigger acts. Closing Sunday is always the day you want to get to if possible. This years closing day features Trombone Shorty (a Jazzfest must see), Kool & the Gang, Chick Corea (Salsa-style!), and The Radiators. I would mention that Stevie Nicks is headlining as well, but really who gives a F-? Getting tired of the goat thing girl!

So there it is! Have you booked your trip yet? What are you waiting for? We will be updating you with more shows, restaurants, clubs, scheduling and pro tips as we get closer to the festival, so stay tuned. This years festival looks like a must for any legitimate Salsa lover, so I personally am fired up!! See you at Jazzfest 2020!