Jimmy Buffett Steps In for Eddie Vedder on New Orleans Jazz Fest Bill

2012-04-12

Story by Charles Ken

Easygoing rocker Jimmy Buffett replaces Pearl Jam frontman for summer festival

Jimmy Buffett fans planning to attend the 2012 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be stoked to hear Mr. Buffett is the latest addition to the festival’s bill, but the reason for the addition isn’t a good one. Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder — who recently had to cancel all his solo ukulele tour dates because of temporary nerve damage in his right arm — had to drop off the lineup, leaving organizers scrambling to book another big-named act.

Thankfully, Buffett was available, and the singer/songwriter will play a special, acoustic performance on May 3, filling Vedder’s vacant spot. Buffett will appear with multi-instrumentalist and country songwriter Mac McAnally, who is a member of Jimmy’s Coral Reefer Band.

This isn’t the first time Buffett has played the festival. Far from it. Buffett and his band has rocked Jazz Fest several times, and they actually headlined last year. This year’s set is expected to be night and day from last year’s performance, though, since Buffett is performing completely unplugged, which is unusual for the performer.

As for Vedder’s solo tour, it was slated to kick off on April 10, but now, the first date will set off on Oct. 31 in Las Vegas, Nev. Tickets will be honored for the new dates, and for those who can’t make it, refunds will be offered upon request at the point of purchase. Members of Pearl Jam’s fan club should check their email boxes for details on how to obtain their refunds.

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Charles Ken

Meet the expert - Charles Ken is a graduate of Michigan State University where he studied writing and history. He's a longtime music buff and covers classic rock for Audio Ink Radio. Contact him at ken@audioinkradio.com.