The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets under way this weekend, the first since Hurricane Katrina, with more headliners and more emotion than in other years through its 35 year history.
From Bruce Springsteen to Elvis Costello, Fats Domino and Bob Dylan, the Dave Matthews Band and Paul Simon, Lionel Richie and Jimmy Buffet, 90 percent of the performers this year are from Louisiana. Hometowner, Ani DiFranco will make her comeback after a year without performing due to tendinitis in her wrists.
The New Orleans Jazz Festival generally draws around 400,000 people and boosts the city’s economy by up to $300 million dollars.
"It is an economic engine, it’s an emotional engine and it is a celebration of the culture we are," said a festival spokesperson to the BBC.
More than 350 bands will perform on 10 stages over the next two weekends until May 7. Listen to internet streaming performances live on the web both Sundays that will include Dr. John, Paul Simon, and Springsteen courtesy of MSN Music. Check listings.