Producers’ Welcome

THE THEME OF JAZZ FEST 2022 IS: WE’RE BACK!

By “we” I mean the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and YOU.

It’s been three years since we all got together to celebrate life, which is really what the Festival—all festivals, in a way—is all about. Since 1970, Jazz Fest has invited the world to experience the joyful culture of New Orleans and Louisiana—music, food, arts and crafts. On any day of the year, there’s nothing more life-affirming than that. For the seven days of Jazz Fest, you can get it all in one place. Here. Once again—at last—we are shining the brightest of lights on hundreds of our hometown music heroes—treasures like Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the whole magical parade of artists scheduled to appear this year. We are serving thousands of plates and bowls of Pheasant, Quail & Andouille Gumbo, Cajun Jambalaya, Crawfish Monica, Vaucresson’s Hot Sausage Po-Boys, Ms. Linda’s Ya Ka Mein and all the other dishes that make up the once-a-year feast that is our only-at-Jazz Fest menu. As always, we are also presenting one of the most acclaimed arts and crafts fairs in America, booth after booth of original artistry, everything from museum-quality works to one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, and more.

Since the last Festival, some things have changed. This will be our first Jazz Fest without the founder of the Festival—the legendary George Wein, who passed away in September. We will honor George in many ways. There will be music, of course. The Newport AllStars, his longtime band, will perform in tribute to George. We’ll are also giving him the ultimate New Orleans farewell—a jazz funeral procession on each Festival weekend. You will find his presence throughout the Festival, which he loved, and which would not exist without his vision and his spirit. We miss you, George.

When the Festival is over, if you want to recapture the joy of it all, look for Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story, the new film documentary from the Kennedy/Marshall Company that Sony Pictures Classics will premiere in May in New York and Los Angeles, with a wider release coming soon.

On behalf of the entire staff of Jazz Fest and the thousands of participants who make the event happen, thank you for coming—and welcome…back!

Quint Davis Producer/Director, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell CEO, Festival Productions, Inc.-New Orleans

ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US AT AEG PRESENTS,

WELCOME BACK!!! Welcome back both to you and to one of America’s most beloved cultural experiences, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. After a few starts and stops, it’s a wonderful feeling to finally be able to bring Jazz Fest back to New Orleans at full force and get the party started once again!

The world-famous festival began in 1970 and draws over 400,000 music fans from around the globe to the lively and eclectic city of New Orleans, the perfect backdrop for two unforgettable weekends featuring the biggest names in music on 12 stages. This year’s lineup – as usual – has something for everyone: iconic talents like The Who, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, Randy Newman, and Lionel Richie. Trailblazers like Elvis Costello, Busta Rhymes, and Erykah Badu. Homegrown heroes Ivan Neville, Rebirth Brass Band, Tank and The Bangas, and Trombone Shorty. Breakout superstars like Luke Combs. And that just scratches the surface. It’s a truly incredible seven days of music.

Despite its triumphant return, this year’s festival is bittersweet. Of all the legends who’ve gathered here to celebrate the music, art and culture of New Orleans, one giant is absent: George Wein. As founder of the festival, George’s guidance and vision turned a local artistic success story into a global phenomenon. He passed away in September, but his spirit lives on in all of us who come together every year for this one of a kind experience.

The New Orleans Jazz Fest continues to be one of the top and sought-after festival destinations. Music lovers, art lovers and foodies alike, get ready to soak up a colorful journey for the senses — music, art, folk, crafts, activities and an acclaimed food fair featuring Louisiana’s unique cuisine! YOU are an integral part of what makes this festival a memorable experience every year. Thank you for supporting this annual NOLA tradition.

“This festival could only take place in New Orleans, because here and only here is America’s richest musical heritage.” ~George Wein

Jay Marciano COO, AEG Chairman & CEO, AEG Presents