Aretha, Wilco and one billion others headline Jazz Fest 2009

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, arguably the grandest of all American music fests, has just announced its staggering 2009 lineup. Let's get right to it, shall we?

The first weekend (April 24-26): Avett Brothers, Erykah Badu, Drive-By Truckers, Galactic, Etta James, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Hot 8 Brass Band, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Matthews Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Pete Seeger, Spoon, Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas, James Taylor, Allen Toussaint, and Wilco. 

The second weekend (April 30 to May 3): Tony Bennett, Solomon Burke, Common, Dr. John, Jakob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Patty Griffin, Buddy Guy, Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris, Kings of Leon, Los Lobos, Neville Brothers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bonnie Raitt, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Sugarland, Toots & The Maytals and Doc Watson. 

Wow.

Tickets are on sale now. Advance single-day tix are $40, but you’re better off getting weekend passes. First weekend: $105. Second weekend: $140. www.nojazzfest.com