Jazz Fest enters final weekend with Mardi Gras Indians, Mexico tributes and Santana
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Thursday marks the beginning of the second and final weekend of the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with headlining acts and cultural showcases across a dozen stages.
The day begins with performances from One Shot Brass Band and multiple Mardi Gras Indian tribes, including the 7th Ward Hunters and Black Osceola.
The Louisiana Folklife Village will feature Pow Wow presentations at 1:20, 2:40, and 4:05 p.m. from the Calpulli Tonalehqueh Aztec Dancers, while the Cultural Exchange Village highlights ritual ceremonies from Veracruz.
A full Mexican parade is scheduled for 4:10 p.m., featuring the Oaxacan Calenda and performances by Ballet Folklorico Nueva Antequera and Mixanteña de Santa Cecilia. Mexico remains a key cultural focus throughout this year’s Jazz Fest.
On the main Shell stage, attendees can look forward to sets from Dragon Smoke, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Better Than Ezra, and a closing headliner performance from Santana. Meanwhile, Cage the Elephant takes the Gentilly Stage at 5:35 p.m.
Thursday’s lineup also includes:
- Shamarr Allen on the Jazz & Heritage Stage at 3:55 p.m.
- George Wein Centennial Tribute in the Jazz Tent at 4:20 p.m.
- Professor Craig Adams’ gospel tribute to Raymond Myles at 3:55 p.m.
- Amber Rachelle and The Sweet Potatoes closing out Lagniappe Stage at 5:45 p.m.
Jazz Fest continues through Sunday with performers such as Trombone Shorty, Joan Jett, and Luke Combs set to take the stage in coming days. Gates open at 11 a.m. daily.
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