The New York Times-20080126-Wonder Returning To New Orleans- -Brief-

Return to: The_New_York_Times-20080126

Wonder Returning To New Orleans; [Brief]

Full Text (150  words)

Stevie Wonder, right, will perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival after an absence of 35 years, The Associated Press reported. On May 2 Mr. Wonder is scheduled to headline the second weekend of this year's event, along with Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw. The festival will be held from April 25 to April 27, and from May 1 to May 4. Headlining the festival's opening day are Ms. Crow, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Also scheduled to perform are Dr. John, Al Green, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint. Performers on the second weekend include Randy Newman, Widespread Panic, Aaron Neville andSantana. The event, with more than 1,000 musicians, is held at a racetrack where 11 stages and tents are set up. This year features a particularly strong lineup of female jazz singers, including Patti Austin, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Diana Krall and Ruby Wilson.

[Illustration]PHOTO