Dylan, Simon, Dmb Sign On For Jazz Fest

Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffet, Allen Toussaint with Elvis Costello, Lionel Richie, Keith Urban, Ani DiFranco, the Meters and, as previously reported, Fats Domino are among the superstars confirmed to appear at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

The event will be held in its usual location at the city's Fair Grounds Race Course on April 28-30 and May 5-7, despite the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. It will be sponsored by Shell, marking the first time a presenting sponsor has been brought on board.

"The true heart and soul of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, as with New Orleans itself, is music," festival producer Quint Davis said today (Feb. 15). "It's the force that drives and defines us. It's not just for entertainment, but it feeds our soul."

As usual, a cadre of the area's best-known acts will appear, including Dr. John, the Rebirth Brass Band, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Clarence "Frogman" Henry and Michael White. The festival will also boast performances by Yolanda Adams, Hugh Masekela, Keb' Mo', Galactic, Terence Blanchard, Sonny Landreth and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.