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Jazz Fest ends early due to storms threatening New Orleans

Widespread Panic will now take the Festival Stage at 2 p.m. as organizers adjust the schedule amid a storm threat

Jazz Fest ends early due to storms threatening New Orleans
By Jesse Brooks

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - UPDATE: Jazz Fest just announced that it was forced to end early due to the threat of severe weather.

EARLIER

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival organizers have changed part of Thursday’s performance schedule as storms threaten the metro area.

The updated schedule moves Widespread Panic to 2 p.m. on the Festival Stage. The band was originally scheduled to perform later in the day.

Jazz Fest week two begins despite stormy weather

Other changes include the removal of previously scheduled Festival Stage acts Sons of Jazz Brass Band, The Iceman Special and Zigaboo Modeliste Funk Revue from the updated lineup.

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The updated Festival Stage schedule now includes SOUL Brass Band at 11:05 a.m., Lettuce at 12:15 p.m. and Widespread Panic at 2 p.m.

On the Shell Gentilly Stage, Lake Street Dive will now perform at 2:20 p.m.

All Jazz Fest Acts have been moved to earlier start times, and the Fest will wrap up by 5 p.m. Thursday.

Jazz Fest changes (Jazz Fest)
  • Widespread Panic moved from 4:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the Festival Stage.
  • Lettuce moved from 2:45 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the Festival Stage.
  • SOUL Brass Band moved from Shell Gentilly Stage to Festival Stage at 11:05 a.m.
  • Lake Street Dive moved from 5:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. on Shell Gentilly Stage.
  • New Breed Brass Band moved from 5:35 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. on Congo Square Stage.
  • Isaiah Collier “The World Is On Fire!” moved from 4:20 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the WWOZ Jazz Tent.
  • Sons of Jazz Brass Band, The Iceman Special and Zigaboo Modeliste Funk Revue are no longer listed on the updated Festival Stage schedule.
  • Leela James is no longer listed on the updated Congo Square schedule.
  • Fred Wesley and His New JBs is still listed, but moved earlier from 5:45 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. in the WWOZ Jazz Tent.
  • Jazz Fest can continue during rain, but lightning can force delays, schedule changes or cancellations.

Storms are expected to ramp up through Thursday afternoon, with heavy rain, hail and gusty winds possible. A low-end tornado threat also exists, though the primary concerns are rain, lightning, hail and strong wind.

Rain coverage Thursday is expected to be around 80%.

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Morning weather update for Thursday, April 30 at 6 a.m.

Storm chances continue Friday as another round of severe weather could affect the area. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected through Saturday, with locally higher amounts possible.

Cooler and drier weather is expected to move in for the weekend, with sunshine returning Saturday and highs falling into the low 70s.

Festivalgoers should monitor Jazz Fest announcements and FOX 8 weather updates before heading to the Fair Grounds.

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