The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival announced its 2011 lineup today. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival announced its 2011 lineup today. Held over two weekends between April 29 and May 8, this year's Jazz Fest headliners span all genres and generations with John Legend & The Roots, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Bon Jovi, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Arcade Fire, Wilco and Cyndi Lauper. The festival also plans on showcasing its cultural connections with Haiti by hosting the largest celebration of Haitian culture in the U.S. since the devastating earthquake one year ago. Haitian artists performing at this year's festival include Wyclef Jean, Tabou Combo, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans, Emeline Michel, Djakout #1, DJA-Rara and Ti-Coca & Wanga Négès. Check out the full lineup and schedule here.
As always, artists with Acadiana roots are well represented. Those making the bill this year include the following: Marcia Ball, Red Stick Ramblers, Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Corey Ledet, Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Cajun Band
Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Pine Leaf Boys, The Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Keith Frank, Jesse Lege, Joel Savoy & the Country Cajun Revival
Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Belton Richard & the Musical Aces, Yvette Landry
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Joe Hall & the Louisiana Cane Cutters, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Beausoliel avec Michael Doucet, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Geno Delafose, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, The Bluerunners Reunion, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Rockin Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters
and Feufollet.