Jazz Fest Preview: Our Picks for Weekend One
Our recommendations for the first weekend at the Fair Grounds.
During Jazz Fest, picks and are closer to a wish list than a plan. I can say now that I intend to see these acts, but if something I'm passing by catches my ear (or looks good to eat or drink), then the plan is sidetracked if not derailed completely.
My default mode is usually the international music since the international groups are the ones I'm least likely to see or hear again. They don't all hold my interest equally, but I try to check them out.
For our picks for the clubs, see The Milk Run, which goes live every Friday. We'll have a special, lengthy Jazz Fest edition up tomorrow.
Friday, April 25
Rotary Downs, 11:25 a.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
BaianaSystem of Bahia-Brazil, 12:25 p.m., Congo Square Stage
Laura Mvula, 1:35 p.m., Acura Stage
Roger Lewis’ Baritone Bliss, 1:35 p.m., Zatarain’s/WWOZ Jazz Tent
Afoxé Omó Nilé Ogunjá of Pernambuco-Brazil, 1:50 p.m., Jazz & Heritage Stage
Rubén Blades & Roberto Delgado Orchestra, 3:10 p.m., Acura Stage
Jason Isbell, 3:35 p.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, 4 p.m., Zatarain’s/WWOZ Jazz Tent
The Avett Brothers, 5:30 p.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
Public Enemy, 5:45 p.m., Congo Square Stage
Saturday, April 26
Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, 11:30 p.m., Lagniappe Stage
Ironing Board Sam, 12:20 p.m., Blues Tent
Forroteria, 1:35 p.m., Jazz & Heritage Stage
Ginga Mundo Capoeira, 1:55 p.m., Jazz & Heritage Stage
Royal Southern Brotherhood, 2:10 p.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
The Mavericks, 3:40 p.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
John Wirt and Allen Toussaint interview, 4:30 p.m., Allison Miner Heritage Stage
Phish, 4 p.m., Acura Stage
Robin Thicke, 5:25 p.m., Congo Square Stage
Robert Plant and the Sensational Shape Shifters, 5:30 p.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
Sunday, April 27
Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, 11:15 a.m., Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do-Do Stage
Khari Allen Lee & the New Creative Collective, 12:15 p.m., Zatarain’s/WWOZ Jazz Tent
Royal Teeth, 12:45 p.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
Bombino, 1:25 p.m., Blues Tent
Chocolate Milk, 3:35 p.m., Congo Square Stage
Jim McCormick with BeatinPath, 3:55 p.m., Lagniappe Stage
John Hiatt and the Combo, 4:25 p.m., Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do-Do Stage
Vampire Weekend, 5:20 p.m., Samsung Galaxy Stage
Rodriguez, 5:45 p.m., Blues Tent
