As the sun began to set on the final Friday of New Orleans’ iconic Jazz Fest, the city’s legendary Fair Grounds became the epicenter of musical revelry. The air was alive with the sweet scent of beignets and the rhythmic thrum of drums, as thousands of revelers gathered to pay homage to the genre that gave the festival its name. Against this vibrant backdrop, a diverse array of acts took to the stages, each one bringing their own brand of sonic magic to the proceedings. From the country-pop charm of Kacey Musgraves to the Senegalese soul of Youssou N’Dour, and the Tejano beats of El Dusty, Friday’s lineup was a masterclass in genre-bending fusion, as the city’s storied musical heritage collided with the fresh faces of the modern music scene. As the night wore on and the music pulsed through the French Quarter, it was clear that this was a night that would be etched in
Kacey Musgraves: Her Setlist and Humor
Musgraves’ Country Hits and Newer Songs
Musgraves pulled songs from her latest album, 2018’s “Golden Hour,” 2021’s “Star Crossed” and some of her earlier more country hits. She brought up the heat several times, but donning a western brown halter top and matching bell bottoms with rhinestones in April in South Louisiana was a courageous choice. Her hair was miraculously defying the humidity though.
Quirky Remarks and Jokes Throughout the Night
Musgraves made several jokes throughout the night, quipping during “Lonely Weekend,” after the line “I’ve got a million things to do, and I haven’t done a single one,” “Thanks, ADHD.” Leading up to “It Is What It Is,” a track from her first album about situationships, she said, “My grandma used to call this song the slut song.”
Ending with a Bang: “The Well”
Musgraves ended with “The Well,” declaring Jazz Fest to be a very deep well indeed.
Youssou N’Dour: His Role in the Festival
As the story goes, Youssou N’Dour’s set on Friday night was a testament to the diversity and global appeal of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The Senegalese singer-songwriter and musician has a long history of collaborating with local artists and bringing his unique brand of Afro-Cuban rhythms to the festival.
Up-and-Coming Artists
Chapel Hart: Country Trio with Soulful Sound
Sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and their cousin Trea Swindle came in fifth on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022, have released four albums and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. They did several covers, including “Drift Away,” Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like a Truck” and Irma Thomas’ “Hip Shakin’ Mama.” They gave a shout out to the people who helped them along the way, including Thomas, who they said called them “the future of New Orleans music” and the late David “D-Mac” McGee, who owned the now closed bar DMac’s. McGee was an early supporter and gave them a loan to start selling merch, they said. As the story goes, they paid him back in a week and half. “I don’t care how hard it gets, what stumbling blocks come your way … don’t stop believin’,” singer Danica Hart told the audience before the group launched into a grand finale of Journey’s hit.
Other Performances
The Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band’s Set
The Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band’s set was one of those classic Jazz Fest treats. And with a lineup of some of the city’s best players, it’s not surprising. The band, made up of Marla Dixon, Haruka Kikuchi, Molly Reeves, Chloe Feoranzo, Julie Schexnayder and Defne “Dizzy” Incirlioglu, brings new energy and life to even classic trad jazz songs, and it was on full display Friday, especially on their fantastic version of “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues.” Clarinetist Feoranzo left New Orleans in 2023 and the band hasn’t really been that active since, so getting her back in town for Jazz Fest was a special treat.
The New Orleans Groovemasters
Drumming is an essential part of New Orleans’ DNA. And for the last few years, three of the city’s best drummers have performed together at Jazz Fest and occasionally beyond. New Orleans natives Herlin Riley, Shannon Powell and Jason Marsalis reconvened their New Orleans Groovemasters in the WWOZ Jazz Tent with a fourth member, percussionist Weedie Braimah, who was born in Ghana but has deep ties in New Orleans. Joined by piano, bass and tenor saxophone, the Groovemasters took turns leading off an eclectic set, which included New Orleans staples like “Little Liza Jane” and “Tootie Ma is a Big Fine Thing,” original compositions by Riley and Marsalis (who also played vibraphone for part of the show), jazz standards, funk grooves and a West African-rooted folk song.
“All the rhythm you hear is connected to Congo Square,” Riley said. “It’s where American music all got started.”
Covering Classic Songs and Original Hits
Kacey Musgraves’ headlining set at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was a testament to her ability to blend classic country sounds with modern hits. She pulled songs from her latest album, as well as her earlier country hits, showcasing her range and versatility as an artist. Her setlist included songs like “Lonely Weekend” and “It Is What It Is,” which showcased her ability to craft relatable and catchy lyrics.
Before Musgraves’ set, country trio Chapel Hart brought their brand of soulful country to the Festival Stage. The sisters, Danica and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle, performed a range of covers, including “Drift Away” and Irma Thomas’ “Hip Shakin’ Mama.” They also gave a shout-out to the people who helped them along the way, including Thomas, who they said called them “the future of New Orleans music.”
Tribute to New Orleans Music Legends
Chapel Hart’s set was a tribute to the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, and the city’s influence on their own music. They performed with a passion and energy that was infectious, and their set was a highlight of the festival. The trio’s music is a testament to the enduring power of country and soul music, and their performance was a must-see for fans of these genres.
Shout-out to Fans and Supporters
Throughout the set, Chapel Hart gave shout-outs to their fans and supporters, including the late David “D-Mac” McGee, who owned the now-closed bar DMac’s. McGee was an early supporter of the trio, and they credited him with helping them to get their start. The trio’s music is a testament to the importance of community and support in the music industry, and their performance was a celebration of the people who have helped them along the way.
El Dusty: Bringing Latin Beats to the Festival
El Dusty’s set at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was a high-energy performance that brought Latin beats to the festival. With his unique blend of traditional and modern styles, El Dusty got the crowd moving with his infectious rhythms and catchy melodies. His set was a highlight of the festival, and a testament to the diversity and richness of Latin music.
Traditional Jazz and Classic Sounds
Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band: Classic Jazz Revival
The Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band’s set at the Economy Hall Tent was a classic Jazz Fest treat. The band, made up of some of the city’s best players, brought new energy and life to timeless songs, and their performance was a testament to the enduring power of traditional jazz. With a lineup that included Marla Dixon, Haruka Kikuchi, Molly Reeves, Chloe Feoranzo, Julie Schexnayder, and Defne “Dizzy” Incirlioglu, the band performed with a passion and precision that was impressive.
The band’s set included a fantastic version of “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues,” which showcased their ability to craft intricate and nuanced arrangements. Clarinetist Feoranzo’s return to the band was a special treat, and her playing added a new level of depth and complexity to the band’s sound. The Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band’s performance was a must-see for fans of traditional jazz, and a testament to the city’s rich musical heritage.
New Orleans Groovemasters: Drumming Legends Unite
The New Orleans Groovemasters’ set at the WWOZ Jazz Tent was a celebration of the city’s drumming legends. With a lineup that included Herlin Riley, Shannon Powell, and Jason Marsalis, the band performed an eclectic set that included New Orleans staples, original compositions, and jazz standards. The addition of percussionist Weedie Braimah, who was born in Ghana but has deep ties to New Orleans, added a new level of depth and complexity to the band’s sound.
The band’s set was a testament to the importance of drumming in New Orleans music, and the city’s unique cultural heritage. With a connection to Congo Square, the band’s performance was a celebration of the city’s rich musical history, and the ways in which different cultures have come together to create something new and unique. The New Orleans Groovemasters’ set was a highlight of the festival, and a must-see for fans of jazz and drumming.
The band’s performance was also a testament to the city’s ability to bring people together through music. With a diverse lineup of musicians from different backgrounds and cultures, the band’s set was a celebration of the city’s unique cultural heritage, and the ways in which music can transcend borders and boundaries. The New Orleans Groovemasters’ set was a powerful reminder of the importance of music in bringing people together, and the city’s rich musical heritage.
Conclusion
As the sun set on the final day of Jazz Fest, the energy of the festival reached a fever pitch. Kacey Musgraves brought her unique brand of country-pop to the Acura Stage, entrancing the crowd with her witty lyrics and soaring vocals. Meanwhile, the wise and soulful Youssou N’Dour mesmerized the audience at the Congo Square Stage with his iconic Senegalese rhythms. El Dusty, a rising star in the electronic music scene, got the crowd moving with his infectious beats and vibrant energy.
The significance of Friday’s performances extends far beyond the confines of the festival grounds. Each artist brought their own distinct flavor to the table, showcasing the incredible diversity and richness of the music world. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it’s events like Jazz Fest that remind us of the power of music to bridge cultural divides and bring people together. Looking ahead, it’s clear that the future of music is bright, with emerging artists like El Dusty pushing the boundaries of genre and style. As we close out another unforgettable Jazz Fest, we’re left with a sense of excitement and anticipation – what will the next chapter in this ever-evolving story hold?
As the curtains close on another year of Jazz Fest, we’re left with more than just memories – we’re left with a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of music. As Kacey Musgraves so aptly put it, “music is a universal language that can bring people together like nothing else.” And as we look to the future, it’s clear that the rhythm of the city will continue to pulse with creativity, diversity, and a shared love of music that knows no bounds.