Over the years, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has evolved from a small gala of jazz music to a multi-day, headline-grabbing celebration of all musical genres. Last year, over 400,000 music fans arrived on flights to New Orleans to take part in the festivities.

Judging from the just-announced line-up for 2012, this year could be even bigger. According to the New York Times, the 2012 Jazz Festival will feature:

“The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Al Green and Bonnie Raitt for older fans; Foo Fighters, Florence & the Machine and My Morning Jacket for contemporary rock lovers; Bon Iver for fans of indie, electronic songs; the Zac Brown Band for hard-core country fans; Jill Scott and Ne-Yo for those who like contemporary rhythm and blues; and Paulina Rubio, for Latin pop fans.”

Staying true to its roots, the festival will also feature a slew of prominent Jazz acts, including Terrance Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, and Trombone Shorty. The festival will be spread over two weekends: April 27-29 and May 3-6. Tickets are currently on sale.

CC Flickr photo credit: Infrogmation