For those of you gearing up for Voodoo Music Experience, here’s a high resolution map of the grounds–note that the stage locations have changed. Click through for a super high resolution version:
We’re still building the list, but here are our absolute must-see acts for this year:
Slayer: Three decades of metal onslaught continues. Our top pick for the festival.
Gogol Bordello: We’ve been following these guys since the days when we were able to get close enough to the stage to see them without being in the photo pit or being danced to death. Now the gypsy punk party can be seen from Mars.
Red Baraat: Northern Indian funk, mad drumming, New Orleans-style brass, and one of the most energetic bands playing this year. Whether you’re a brass veteran or new to the groove, absolutely not to be missed.
Lauryn Hill: She might be tired of the reference (we hope not), but: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Go get some.
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue: Trombone Shorty used to be our favorite little guy with the big horn, playing at local clubs in New Orleans. Now, he’s a world-class, Grammy-winning entertainer, in all the best senses of those words. His performances at Jazz Fest were some of the best live shows we’ve ever seen and he’s sure to bring the energy to Voodoo.
Fishbone: 35 years of LA funk, ska, and soul, with a twist of crowd surfing madness. “Expect anything and shake your damned ass” will be the show’s slogan.
Big Freedia: Twerking, bounce, and ass chariots. Every show is brand new–if you’ve seen her before, you’ve still hardly seen her at all. While we don’t have the asses to be bounce stars, we’ll still be there, trying not to get kicked out of the photo pit for dancing.
Peelander-Z: With Peelander Red having turned his eye to teaching, we’ll have to see what Peelander Purple (yes!) brings. In any case, watch out for flying Peelander–these guys are frequently airborne!
Bonearama: Trombones with guitar pedal effects, wailing guitar, and all-brass Led Zeppelin covers. Brass funk in da house!
Rebirth Brass Band:If you’re from New Orleans (or anywhere on the planet, for that matter), what’s new to say? They bring a bit fat, Grammy-winning, nasty wall of NOLA brass, and your hips are going to obey, no matter what you think.
More to come!