Jazz/R&B Festival Releases Main Stage Lineup

The Board and Committee of the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival have announced their Main Stage lineup for their 29th annual festival which will be held on the downtown Natchitoches river bank on May 15 and 16, 2026.

The year’s headliner will be Country Music superstar and platinum-selling artist, Joe Nichols. Nichols is one the most lauded artists in Country Music’s history, with a half-dozen number one singles to his name, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” and “Gimmie That Girl.” He will be closing out the evening on the Main Stage.

Preceding Nichols that evening will be American Idol Season 23 first runner up, John Foster. 

He is a Louisiana native and is known for his authentic traditional Country style and deep emotional vocals.  He has hit the ground running since his appearance on American Idol, performing all over the country including several performances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Taking the stage before Foster will be Houston area’s Soul and R&B recording artist, Tiffany Rachal who will be performing a mixture of soulful originals and covers.  Rachal also has local ties as her husband’s family is from Natchitoches Parish.  

Local favorites and Louisiana Music Hall of Famers, Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs will take the stage before Rachal.  They have been dubbed quite simply “Louisiana’s Best Showband” and will be performing their eclectic mix of Rock & Roll and R&B horn-driven classics.  

The busiest guy at the festival will no doubt be Trini Triggs.  Also a member of Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Trini will be once again serving as the festival’s Emcee Extraordinaire but will also be performing with his band, and playing his Curb Record hits, “Straight Tequila,”  “Horse to Mexico” and other Country favorites along with a little R&B thrown in.  

The dancing will began early that day, as the music on the Main Stage will kick off at 1 o’clock  with return “by popular demand” of Zydeco/R&B legend, Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators.  

Friday evening’s “Tribute to Legends Night” promises to be a spectacular kickoff to the festival with two of the most popular Tribute Bands in the nation appearing.

First, will be The Zeppelin Project, which is called the ultimate tribute to the greatest Rock & Roll band in history, Led Zeppelin.  

Closing the night on Friday will be one of the country’s hottest tribute acts, Waterloo, performing a high-energy homage to the Swedish superstars, ABBA.  Accompanied by a dynamic sound and light show, they will perform faithful renditions of such ABBA hits as “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance on Me,” and “Mama Mia.”  There will be plenty of dress up and singing-along opportunities.

There will be over 20 bands performing on 4 different stages providing a wide variety of music for any taste, including Jazz, Rock & Roll, Country, Zydeco, Gospel, and Bluegrass.  

As always, there will be lots of great food vendors and activities for the kids and this year will provide an enhanced and improved VIP area.  

Tickets are on sale now.  For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.natchjazzfest.com 


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