NOLA 2023 Jazzfest Artist Predictions

The lineup for the 2023 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 THE main reason we go each year) including nationally touring NOLA acts like Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Funky Big Sam,  Galactic, Trombone Shorty, Big Freedia who will all 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. Honestly, they are what makes this festival special and a major reason people like RtBE make an annual journey down. 

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...

Foo Fighters

Recent statement says they are touring again real soon. Playing Bonnaroo.  Def a possibility. 

Phish 

40th Anniversary this year and while New Orleans has never been big in their history, they do have time after their Spring tour for some festivals. 

Jack White

He has been popping up in some weird spots...few weirder than New Orleans. 

Neil Young & Crazy Horse 

We featured them in our Masters Series and we think they are always possible headliner to play the festival. Either NY&CH or some NY project. 

Lizzo

She is pop star made for NOLA Jazzfest and Since Taylor Swift is booked elsewhere...

Stevie Nicks

Fleetwood Mac was supposed to fill in for the Stones in 2019, but illness got in the way. Nicks has a gap in her schedule. Could work. 

Dead & Co. 

Were going to headline 2020, was going to headline 2021, will probably headline 2023 for the last time as they are wrapping up touring life.

Jimmy Buffet 

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

Billy Strings

Worked himself up from mid level to headliner last year and could easily headline this festival for years to come.

Father John Misty

Not a first name on the board type act, but he has some dates open around his newly announced tour right by New Orleans that second weekend and could def headline.  

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 decent 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.

Spoon

The band loves NOLA and it is a quick shot from Austin to the Acura stage

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.

Kristone "Kingfish" Ingram

Should be a headliner in the Blues Tent this year then moving up and headlining bigger stages each and every year. 

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. 

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 (or Daze Between), they could def throw down an interesting afternoon set.

Mavis Staples

Mavis is always touring when it is allowed.  She and her excellent band should 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 tomorrow.