Florence + the Machine and John Mayer Join Lineup for 2012 New Orleans Jazz Festival

The Big Easy is in for a treat! The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival announced its 2012 lineup, featuring John Mayer, Florence + the Machine and a stellar slew of other artists.

In addition to the national acts, the festival will put a spotlight on local culture and music. Jazz Fest 2012 includes a 50th anniversary celebration of Preservation Hall, a venue in the heart of the French Quarter, as well as special performances from the Mardi Gras Indians.

The festival is designed to showcase Louisiana artists -- by using the bigger names to draw crowds in. Smart move! "The heart and soul of the festival is all the Louisiana artists, but added to that is the very best of all these other genres," festival producer Quint Davis told Billboard. "This festival really offers the best of both worlds."

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