The lineup for Jazz Fest 2018 was revealed today (Jan. 23), chock full of classic rock legends over its two lengthy weekends, set for Apr. 27-29 and May 3-6. The biggest surprise is the return to the stage of Aerosmith, whose last concert tour ended abruptly last September when Steven Tyler took ill. They’re joined in the lineup by Aretha Franklin, Steve Miller Band, Sting, David Byrne, Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Buffett and Bonnie Raitt.
Other big names at the event, officially known as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, include Lionel Richie, George Benson, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Beck, Aaron Neville, Buddy Guy, Delbert McClinton, John Mayall, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. (See the complete daily lineups here.)
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
In our recent exclusive interview with Joe Perry, the Aerosmith co-founder talked about when the band’s 50th anniversary tour would commence. “We may do a festival here and there, but it will start in earnest the end of 2018,” he said. We now know that “here and there” includes Saturday, May 5, when they headline that day’s Jazz Fest lineup.
Watch the Jazz Fest talent announcement video
This year’s daily headliners: Sting (Apr. 27), Aretha Franklin (Apr. 28), Jimmy Buffett and His Acoustic Airmen (Apr. 29), Lionel Richie (May 3), Beck (May 4), Aerosmith (May 5) and Jack White (May 6). (See the complete daily lineups here.)
Others in the 2018 lineup: The Radiators, Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas, Blind Boys of Alabama, Anita Baker, Toots & the Maytals, Ron Carter Trio, Jon Batiste with the Dap-Kings, and dozens more.
Related: Our review of Van Morrison and others at Jazz Fest 2016
Watch Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform at Jazz Fest 2017
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