New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Kicks Off Friday, April 29, 2011: Who's On Stage?

The 2011 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, most commonly known as "Jazz Fest" opens Friday, April 29, 2011 with a huge array of musical talent. The best thing about Jazz Fest is that all types of genres of music is played on multiple stages at the same time. Music is playing constantly and you are sure to find something to suit your musical style.

Whether you are new to the New Orleans Jazz Fest or an old pro, you will not want to forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle (one 1-liter bottle is allowed to be brought in), a couple of Ziploc baggies, a few snacks stashed in purse, plenty of cash, a credit card and a lightweight folding chair if you don't want to spend the day standing or sitting on the ground.

Now on with the music schedule-here are the artists that will be playing on opening day and night. Having a schedule beforehand can help you map out a plan of who to see and to know which stage they will be playing on. You may also want to print out a copy to bring along to the festival with you.

Acura Stage

11:20 - 12:05 Jumpin Johnny Sansone

12:25 - 1:25 George Porter, Jr. & Runnin Pardners

1:50 - 2:50 Jon Cleary; piano, bass and drums

3:20 - 4:45 Jeff Beck

5:25- 6:55 Robert Plant & The Band of Joy

Gentilly Stage

11:20 - 12:10 Tulane University Jazz Ensemble

12:30 - 1:30 Mia Borders

1:55 - 2:55 The Subdudes

3:25- 4:50 Mumford and Sons

5:30 - 7:00 The Avett Brothers

Congo Square (My Louisiana Stage)

11:20 - 12:10 Dave Lemon & the Flow

12:30 - 1:15 Young Pinstripe Bass Band

1:55 - 2:55 Donald Harrison

3:30 - 4:45 Ivan Nevilles Dumpstaphunk

5:30 - 7:00 Wyclef Jean

WWOZ Jazz Tent

11:20 - 12:05 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble

12:25 - 1:10 Derek Douget

1:30 - 2:20 Germaine Bazzle

2:40 - 3:35 MASHUP, featuring Terence Higgins, Ike Stubblefield, and Grant Green, Jr.

4:00 - 5:10 Anat Cohen Quartet

5:35 - 7:00 The Golden Striker Trio, featuring Ron Carter, Mulgrew Miller and Russell Malone

Blues Tent

11:10 - 11:55 Coco Robicheaux

12:15 - 1:00 Henry Gray & the Cats

1:20 - 2:10 The Joe Krown Trio with Walter "Wolfman" Washington and Russell Batiste, Jr.

2:30 - 3:20 John Mooney & Bluesiana

3:50 - 5:10 Keb Mo

5:40 - 7:00 Tab Benoit

Peoples Health Economy Hall Tent

11:30 - 12:20 Chris Clifton & His Allstars

12:40 - 1:40 Clive Wilson's New Orleans Serenaders, featuring Butch Thompson

2:05 - 2:55 Doreen's Jazz New Orleans

3:15 - 4:05 Connie Jones & the Crescent City Allstars

4:30 - 5:20 Louis Ford & his New Orleans Flairs

5:45 - 7:00 Haitian - New Orleans Connection featuring Emeline Michel, Dr. Jean Montes, and Dr. Michael White

Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do-Do Stage

11:15- 12:00 Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band

12:20 - 1:10 Red Stick Ramblers

1:30 - 2:25 Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Cajun Band

2:55 - 3:55 Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress

4:25 - 5:30 Justin Townes Earle

5:55 - 7:00 Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers

Jazz and Heritage Stage

11:20 - 12:05 Comanche Hunters Mardi Gras Indians

12:30 - 1:30 Real Untouchables Brass Band

1:55 - 2:45 Semolian Warriors Mardi Gras Indians

3:10 - 3:50 Ti-Coca & Wanga Neges of Haiti

4:20 - 5:30 Los Hombres Calientes, featuring Irvin Mayfield & Bill Summers

6:00 - 7:00 New Orleans Night Crawlers

Gospel Tent

11:15 - 11:50 Sister Naomi Washington and Group

12:00 -12:40 Rocks of Harmony

12:50 - 1:30 Mt. Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church Choir

1:40 - 2:25 Voices of Peter Claver

2:35 - 3:20 New Orleans Spiritualettes

3:30 - 4:15 Morning Star Mass Choir

4:25 - 5:10 Shades of Praise

5:35 - 6:35 Mighty Clouds of Joy

Lagniappe Stage

11:20 - 12:10 Los Astros de America

12:35 - 1:25 Ti-Coca & Wanga Neges of Haiti

1:50 - 2:50 Happy Talk Band

3:15 - 4:05 Meschiya Lake & Dem Lil' Big Horns

4:30 - 5:20 Danny Barnes

5:50 - 7:00 OTRA

Chouset Family Kids' Tent

11:30 - 12:00 Brass Band Throwdown by Young Audiences

12:30 - 1:15 Adella Adella the Storyteller presented by Young Audiences

1:45 - 2:30 Performing Arts Showcase

3:00 - 3:45 Kat Walker Jazz Combo

4:00 - 4:45 Grayhawk Perkins: Native American Lore & Tales

5:15 - 6:00 Louisiana Sketches with Carl LeBlanc

Allison Miner Heritage Stage

2:00 - 2:45 Anat Cohen & Tom McDermott; Interviewer: Micheal Gourrier

3:00 - 3:45 Mulgrew Miller; Interviewer: Jason Patterson

4:00 - 4:45 Lil Nathan; Interviewer: Herman Fuselier

5:00 - 5:45 Joe Krown; Interviewer: David Fricke

This is just a very small sample of the artists booked for Jazz Fest 2011. Jazz Fest continues Saturday, April 30, 2011 and Sunday, May 1, 2011. The festival picks back up on Thursday, May 5, 2011 and runs through Sunday, May 8, 2011. Enjoy the music!