NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam and Neil Young are among those returning to entertain fans at this year’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, while Nick Jonas, Maxwell, Beck, Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are making their festival debut.
Festival organizer Quint Davis said Tuesday those artists are just the tip of the iceberg for music fans awaiting the festival, which showcases and celebrates traditional and contemporary American music. Davis unveiled the list of artists scheduled for the 2016 event, to be held at the Fair Grounds on the weekends of April 22-24 and April 28-May 1.
He said the mix of artists scheduled reflects New Orleans’ eclectic and unique energy.
“It’s blues, gospel, R&B, rock and jazz in all its forms, Cajun, zydeco and more. It’s who we are as a city and as a people and that’s our festival,” Davis said in an interview.
Wonder last played the Jazz Fest in 2008, while Young performed in 2009. Pearl Jam’s previous appearance was in 2010.