The fifth annual Nolafunk Jazzfest Series have delivered their next round of announcements which will feature a kickoff party from Michael Franti & Spearhead on April 22. Franti will make his Nolafunk Jazzfest debut after performing numerous notable Jazz Fest late night shows over the years.

On April 27, the James Brown Dance Party will hit the stage featuring Mousey Thompson, Pete Murano, Michael Ray, Sun Ra, and Surrender to the Air, Natalie Cressman, Chris Bullock and more. Both shows will take place at the Republic in New Orleans.

These two new shows will join an expansive list of pre and post shows including Dead Feat, a collaborative project between Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of Little Feat along with Anders Osborne, Jackie Greene, Brady Blade, Carl Dufrene and Papa Mali. The London Souls will also collaborate with Eric Krasno, Ian Neville and Cyril Neville on a special Allen Toussaint tribute at the Republic on April 23.

Other artists slated to perform include Big Freedia, Voodoo Dead (feat Steve Kimock, Jackie Greene, Jeff Chimenti, George Porter Jr., JM Kimock with special guests Papa Mali and Cyril Neville), Los Lobos, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and more.

More shows are expected to be added soon. Stay tuned to Nolafunk’s website for more information.