I was standing in my garage last night when my neighbor A. J. drove up and asked, "What do you know about New Orleans?"

"At the moment I'd like to be there!" We chatted about some things, places and activities to checkout. That particular conversation spurred me to look more into a get-away.

It just so happens that the line up for the 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival had been recently released. This is a music and cultural extravaganza that happens over two weekends in the Crescent City.

There is some major talent performing at this year's event. Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Sir Van Morrison, Neil Young and Steely Dan are all scheduled.

Among the many other acts on this year's bill are The Isley Brothers, Mavis Staples, Boz Scaggs, Aaron Neville, Michael McDonald, Dr. John, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Arlo Guthrie, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Bishop and others.

The festival also will include tribute performances honoring two late music legends -- B.B. King and Allen Toussaint. Also, Guthrie's set will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous Thanksgiving event that inspired his classic music monologue, "Alice's Restaurant."

JazzFest 2016 takes place April 22-April 24 and April 28-May 1 at the New Orleans Fair Grounds.  Early bird advance single-day tickets are available for purchase now through February 2 for $60, not including fees, via Ticketmaster.  Regular advance single-day tickets go on sale February 3 and are priced at $65. Visit NOJazzFest.com to check out the complete festival lineup, and what days the acts will be performing.

That weekend getaway sounds really tempting. New Orleans in late April and early May during the Jazz & Heritage Festival? Yes, I hope.

Watch the video for the 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

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