While many out of town music fans prepare for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival later this month, locals are gearing up for the free The 2011 French Quarter Festival. The annual music event will showcase a variety of gospel, jazz, funk, classical, cajun and zydeco and brass bands on 17 stages around the French Quarter section of the historic city from April 7-10. In addition to numerous emerging acts, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Bonerama, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Preservation Hall All Stars, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Russell Batiste & Friends featuring Jason Neville, John Mooney and the Hot Club of New Orleans are all slated to perform. The festival’s complete schedule can be found here.