Topping the diverse lineup of artists are Rod Stewart [ tickets ], Steely Dan [ tickets ], Norah Jones [ tickets ], ZZ Top, John Legend, Van Morrison, Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Ludacris, Dr. John and Bonnie Raitt. New Orleans son Harry Connick Jr. will close the event May 6 on the Acura Stage. A partial list of entertainers confirmed for the fest is included below, and the full lineup is available at the event's website.

"New Orleans is the best place in the world to listen to music and to sing and dance in an open and loving atmosphere, and this year we're presenting more music than ever," Jazz Fest producer/director Quint Davis said in a statement. "As always Jazz Fest is going to give festivalgoers the best opportunity to participate in this city's powerful and joyful integration of culture and community."

Tickets for the festival went on sale today (1/25) at the event's website and at Ticketmaster outlets (Ticketmaster is LiveDaily's parent company). Each ticket, priced $35 in advance or $45 at the gate, is valid for a single day's attendance. Children's passes (ages 2-11) cost $5.

A limited number of Big Chief VIP Experience packages are available for $600, or $700 with parking. The package includes a full-weekend pass and VIP amenities.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival annually draws tens of thousands of fans for each of its six days, according to organizers. In addition to 10 stages, the event features a food fair with more than 100 varieties of Louisiana cuisine and craft booths.

Partial list of Jazz Fest acts:

Harry Connick Jr.
Rod Stewart
Steely Dan
Norah Jones
ZZ Top
John Legend
Van Morrison
Brad Paisley
Jill Scott
Ludacris
Dr. John
Bonnie Raitt
New Edition
Gilberto Santa Rosa
Irma Thomas
Jerry Lee Lewis
Counting Crows
Allman Brothers Band
Allen Toussaint
George Benson
Pharoah Sanders
George Thorogood
Stephen Marley feat. Jr. Gong
Better Than Ezra
Joss Stone
Banda el Recodo
Calexico
Taj Mahal
Johnny Rivers
Lucinda Williams
Branford Marsalis
Richie Havens
Soulive
Cowboy Mouth
Percy Sledge
Tony Joe White
Gillian Welch
Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir
T-Bone Burnett
Rebirth Brass Band
Galactic
Mose Allison
Marcia Ball
Roy Hargrove
Chuck Leavell
Arturo Sandoval
The Holmes Brothers
Snooks Eaglin
Dr. Lonnie Smith
The New Orleans Social Club
James Carter
The Radiators
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Lucky Peterson
Darrell McFadden
Sonny Landreth
Danilo Perez
Ivan Neville
Dottie Peoples
Davell Crawford
Ba Cissoko of Guinea
George Porter Jr.
Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste
Tab Benoit
Les Amazones of Guinea
World Saxophone Group
John Mooney & Bluesiana
Buckwheat Zydeco
Anders Osborne
Elder Baab & the Madison Bumble Bees of Winnsboro
Eddie Bo
Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
Rosie Ledet
Amanda Shaw
The Iguanas
Marva Wright
Walter "Wolfman" Washington
Deacon John
Donald Harrison
Nicholas Payton
Terence Blanchard
Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews & Orleans Avenue
Bob French
Elysian Fieldz
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers
Ellis Marsalis