Today is the opening day of this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and we've highlighted one act for each day of this historic celebration of one of the greatest and most unique music cities in the entire world!

Friday, April 24th - Snarky Puppy

We’ve shown our affection for Snarky Puppy cutting edge sound in past blog posts, and refuse to stop now! They're the perfect way to close out the first day of New Orleans Jazz Fest, so don’t miss their set at 6:45 at the Zatarain’s/WWOZ Jazz Tent. Michael Leagues bass faces alone will make it worth your time. If you watch the "Binky" video above, make sure you #WaitForTheDrop.

Saturday, April 25th - Kenny Garrett

Kenny Garret is saxophone legend through and through. Anyone who is here, reading the blog on a woodwind company’s website, would be wise to choose this show over the other commercial pop acts going on at the same time.

Sunday, April 26th - Pitbull

Just kidding. ¡Dale!

Thursday, April 30 - Paulin Brothers Brass Band

This is as authentic as it gets, folks. The Paulin Brothers’ Brass Band represents an aspect of New Orleans’ musical culture that is rapidly declining – the traditional brass band dressed in “traditional” uniform—black pants, white shirt, black shoes, tie and band cap playing traditional New Orleans music. Don't miss this living legacy.

Friday, May 1st - Dirty Dozen Brass Band

I got a chance to see the Dirty Dozen when they came to Jazz Alley in Seattle and highly recommend them. Their set teleported the audience from an upscale Seattle Jazz Club to a rowdy New Orleans speakeasy during their two-hour set.

Saturday, May 2nd - Charles Lloyd Quartet

While the headliners of Saturday’s main stages are some of the biggest names in pop - Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and T.I. - sax enthusiasts should not miss the Charles Lloyd Quartet. Lloyd has played with Charles Mingus, Cannonball Adderly, and Keith Jarret, on records by the Doors and The Beach Boys, and shared billings with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Queen, and Jefferson Airplane.

Sunday, May 3rd - Trombone Shorty

One of the biggest names in New Orleans Jazz today, Trombone Shorty is the most fitting to close out the last day of the festival. His set at Seattle Bumbershoot was one of the most high-energy, memorable shows I've ever attended, and seeing TS and his band New Orleans Avenue *in* New Orleans is the perfect finale to this stacked festival lineup.