Nola Jazzfest 2022 Artist Predections

 So... we did this back in early 2020, and got a bunch right...then Jazzfest was canceled. Then tried again for a special October 2021 edition of Jazzfest and that was canceled as well...third times a charm for 2022? 

The lineup for the 2022 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced tomorrow but RtBE got the early scoop...

Actually no we don't...but since it is fun to predict, lets look into the crystal ball and guess who will be and who should be playing.

We will exclude the brass bands and local acts (even though they are truly the main reason we go each year) including nationally touring NOLA acts like Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Funky Big Sam,  Galactic, Trombone Shorty who will all definitely be there.

Also we are obviously skipping the great jazz, blues and gospel acts who will be the foundation of the festival in their respective tents. Lets just talk about the bigger national touring artists for now....We will focus more on locals closer to the show. 

To get in the southern festive NOLA mood, here is a great video done by Jeronimo Acero that my friend the fantastic Lu Brow sent north to warm me up during the winter.

a glimpse of LOUISIANA from Jeronimo Acero on Vimeo.

Now on to the predictions....

Let's start with some Headliner size guesses...

The Rolling Stones

Are they really gonna try this again!?!?

Jack White

New albums coming and a perfect empty slot in his touring schedule for the second weekend. RtBE favorite White seems like a lock. 

Neil Young & Crazy Horse 

We featured them in our Masters Series and we think are a possible headliner to play the festival. Horse was supposed to tour pre-pandemic so hopefully they get it together now after releasing two albums during lockdown. 

Stevie Nicks

Fleetwood Mac was supposed to fill in for the Stones in 2019, but illness got in the way. Nicks is headlining Bonnaroo and while I doubt there will be much crossover with that lineup, Nicks fits a Jazzfest headlining slot.  

Kesha

Kesha's was supposed to tour with NOLA bounce legend Big Freedia never happened, so why not get after it at Jazzfest together.

Dead & Co. 

Were going to headline 2020, was going to headline 2021, will probably headline 2022

Jimmy Buffet 

Another safe bet as he always plays down at Jazzfest (he is even wearing a Jazzfest hat in that picture) 

Elvis Costello

Got a new album, loves New Orleans, feels like a safe guess. 

Brittany Howard

Ahh someone new, younger and good!  RtBE loved her first solo record and could see her closing out one of the stages this fall.

Now some bands who always seem to play the festival, and with good reason. They will probably be playing the festival again this year:

Wilco

 RtBE has caught them a few times already in the Big Easy. Seems pretty safe bet.

Trucks and Tedeschi Band

Because they should headline every Thursday of the second weekend, they are the right band for that job with Widespread Panic not touring as much...speaking of which...

Widespread Panic

Because if they are touring, they are going to play Jazzfest.


Now a few lower level national touring acts who could/should be gracing the stages:

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

I am not sure this act has ever played Jazzfest, and they would fit in perfectly! 

The Avett Brothers

Seems like a pretty good bet they will be there and probably headlining the Acura stage.

The Black Pumas

RtBE hopes they play the second weekend when we will be there. We loved their debut record and would dig catching them at the Fairgrounds.

Drive-By Truckers

The band is itching to tour, Jazzfest would be a nice fit. 

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Good bet Isbell and company headline the Acura stage one year, why not this one?. 

Yola

It might not lineup with her tour dates but Yola should play the fest soon, she would be perfect. 

Yeah Yeah Yeah's

The indie rockers have a few dates on the calendar and would seem to be a good fit to close the Acura stage one weekend as the festival usually gets some indie cred on that stage for a day.

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

I don't think these prog rockers have yet to play the festival, while their antics may be better suited for late nights they could def throw down an interesting afternoon set.

Mavis Staples

Mavis is always touring when it is allowed.  Pretty good bet her and her excellent band will drop by.

And now some people who RtBE loves and feel that they should be playing the festival (or late night), but probably won't be...

Lil' Wayne-

Probably not the NOLA festival for him, but hot dam RtBE would love to catch Weezy at the fairgrounds.

Bob Dylan-

One of these years he is going to return to the festival, so why not this year?

Tom Waits-

If we are shooting for the moon....why not Waits??!?!

Who do think is playing? Who do you want to see there? Feel free to comment below and stay tuned for the official announcement.