After initially being rescheduled to the fall, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has been cancelled due to coronavirus.
The announcement arrives shortly after the mayor of New Orleans recommended that no large events take place in the city for the remainder of 2020.
“This conclusion is made after much careful deliberation,” reads an official statement. “It takes something truly momentous to interrupt a 50-year New Orleans tradition as special as the Festival, but we feel strongly that the most prudent course right now is to allow more time for the situation to stabilize. We thank everyone for their patience as we have considered all of the matters necessary to making this difficult decision.”
The 2020 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was set to feature performances by the likes of The Who, Dead & Company, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Lionel Richie, The Lumineers, The Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz, Brandi Carlile, The Beach Boys and many more.
The tagline for the event was “Right Place, Right Time,” nodding to the late, great NOLA icon Dr. John. As per usual, a number of the Crescent City’s own performers were scheduled take the stage at the Fairgrounds, from Irma Thomas to Aaron Neville to Tank & The Bangas to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners.
For an ongoing list of festivals and tours impacted by COVID-19 visit Relix.com/coronavirus.
For updated information – including info about refunds – visit Jazz Fest’s official website.
See the festival’s full statement below:
5 Comments comments associated with this post
Festival Freak
April 17, 2020 at 10:40 amBecause the Mayor apparently has more information than the Federal Govt. Did she use some sort of Crystal Ball. Complete BS, way to destroy your own city.
me
April 17, 2020 at 11:05 amNo, it’s because the mayor thinks about lives first, money second… unlike the money hungry, multi-bankrupted snake oil salesman. However, if you listed to the side of the Federal government with a functioning brain (read: Fauci), you’d realize the mayor is spot on… but don’t let facts get in your way!
Make Jazz Great Again
April 17, 2020 at 12:23 amUgggg, why have Democrates ruined my summer? I’ve never had a Corona before, don’t really drink that much, so why can’t I still attend? Just a severe fever and a bad cough, but I’m ready to rock!! No worries though, I’m still able to care for elderly parents and our pet bats. Can’t wait for Trump to put these governors in their place and make festivals great again!!!!
me
April 17, 2020 at 11:03 amIs that because alcohol mixes poorly with your meds?
Truck Fump
April 16, 2020 at 4:11 pmTerrible news – hopefully people can come together to prevent future catastrophes and heal the planet….