Jazz Fest is here. The fest's 50th event is set up to be one for the ages.
Even with the well-publicized cancellation of The Rolling Stones' tour -- and then a sudden cancellation of Fleewtwood Mac tour dates -- there is still plenty special about the 50th annual Jazz Fest.
"Everybody wants to know, 'Well what's special about the 50, what's special about the 50, what are you doing, what are you doing that's special?' Well, there's a lot," said Jazz fest producer Quint Davis. "This years, there's the most music, ever: 688 groups, eight days, 14 stages."
Superstar Alanis Morissette headlines today along with Earth, Wind & Fire. Katy Perry and Van Morrison also highlight the opening weekend. Week 2, which begins May 2, includes Tom Jones, Chris Stapleton, Pitbull, and Diana Ross. The jam band Widespread Panic eventually took the slot vacated when the Stones, and then Fleetwood Mac, had to cancel.
"You know, we set out to make this festival worthy of the occasion" said Davis, "reveling in our past and celebrating our future."
Gates at the New Orleans Fairgrounds open each day at 11 a.m.