DMB, Bob Dylan to Play N.O. Fest

Dave Matthews Band, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, Keith Urban, Ani DiFranco, Lionel Richie, Yolanda Adams and Robert Randolph and the Family Band are among the diverse acts playing the 2006 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (a.k.a. Jazz Fest) between April 28th through the 30th and May 5th through 7th.

Joining previously announced headliner Fats Domino in representing New Orleans' indigenous sounds are locals Allen Toussaint (with recent recording partner Elvis Costello), the Meters, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Galactic, Rebirth Brass Band, Snooks Eaglin, Kermit Ruffins with the Barbecue Swingers, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Irvin Mayfield with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Buckwheat Zydeco, the Radiators and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the ten-day cultural event, which has been bringing together local musicians, cooks and craftspeople since 1970, will take place at its usual location, the Crescent City's Fair Grounds Race Course. To make this possible, the non-profit New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation teamed with the Shell oil company to sponsor this year's event.

"My heart's always gonna be in New Orleans," Dr. John told Rolling Stone in the days after Katrina. "It ain't just the place, it's the whole culture. The music will survive; the people will survive."

Tickets for the festival are currently available online, at nojazzfest.com.