Finally, Pearl Jam closed the main stage with a dynamic, crowd‑pleasing performance. The band fielded rare requests like “Love Boat Captain” and filled their setlist with hits from their heyday—opening with “Corduroy,” and weaving in “Daughter,” “Even Flow” (dedicated to Saints superfan Steve Gleason), “Black,” “Jeremy,” and “Yellow Ledbetter.” They also showcased newer material from last year’s Dark Matter. As tradition dictates, they wrapped up with Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” and The Who’s “Baba O’Riley,” leaving the audience energized and satisfied.

Under overcast skies and a mild, comfortable breeze, the second day of week two at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival delivered a truly memorable experience. The crowds—neither overwhelming nor sparse—created an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere that perfectly complemented the diverse lineup of local, international, jazz, rock, and world music acts.

The second Thursday of Jazz Fest was hot and humid despite forecasts of possible rain. The Fair Grounds buzzed with even more visitors than the previous week, and by midafternoon, lines for food and drinks dotted the vast venue. The heat felt more intense under a cloudless sky that replaced last week’s breezy, pleasant weather. Still, the humidity remained manageable and never threatened to become the sweltering NOLA heat lurking on the horizon.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter-pianist Neal Francis proved himself as the Toast of New Orleans this past weekend with a series of unforgettable live performances held in tandem with the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Featuring performances by Louisiana’s own Lil Wayne, Harry Connick, Jr., Trombone Shorty, Branford Marsalis, Tank and the Bangas, PJ Morton, Big Freedia, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, alongside Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Santana, John Fogerty, Burna Boy and hundreds more, the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell was attended by 460,000 fans, Jazz Fest organizers announced today.

Bon Bon Vivant (BBV), the genre bending New Orleans-based indie collective, will headline the Laniappe Stage at The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Friday, May 2. 

Back on tap for its ninth edition, Trombone Shorty’s Treme Threauxdown will return to New Orleans during Jazz Fest for one of the weekend’s most beloved events. The show takes place Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the historic Saenger Theatre, where Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will be joined by an exciting slate of special guests, including Elvis Costello, Lauren Daigle, Andy Grammer, and Allen Stone. As always, additional surprise performers will be revealed the night of the show.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell today announced the daily music lineups and put single-day tickets on sale for the 2025 event, scheduled for April 24 – 27 and May 1 – 4 at the Fair Grounds Race Course.

Shorty Fest Presented by Acura is inviting the public to join an evening of live performances at Tipitina’s on April 28 at 5 pm, between the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Weekends. A stellar lineup headlined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Black Opry Revue, and students from the Trombone Shorty Academy will be joined by a very special Jersey Takeover with Dogs In A Pile and special guests Robert Randolph and Jake Clemons of the E Street Band Tour.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell today announced the music lineup for the 2025 event, scheduled for April 24 – May 4.   Jazz Fest is an annual celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana, alongside unforgettable performances by nationally and internationally renowned guest artists to create one of the world’s most diverse musical festival lineups.