Kermit Ruffins Featured on Official Jazz Fest Poster

Kermit Ruffins took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to chat with earlier this evening. He's one one of this years official Jazz Fest posters. He's also playing this year , but he hopes to have a chance to catch some acts too.

Where the Marigny and Bywater meet, an intimate crowd gets quite a treat. Jazz superstar Kermit Ruffins belting out some tunes. Although he often plays venues like this one at Sweet Lorraine's, he's also used to playing much larger crowds .. like Jazz Fest. "I've been playing at Jazz Fest for 30 years. At least 25, give or take," he says.

For this international player, the Jazz and Heritage Festival is a little special this year. "I was real excited. I just couldn't believe that they chose me," he says. Kermit is featured on one of the official film posters. The ledgendary Irma Thomas is on the other one.

But this year, Kermit's also looking forward to being a fan. "Stevie Wonder. I'm looking forward to going out and hanging out with Stevie and them because I get all access," he says. Major headliners take the stage this year -- everyone from Billy Joel and Jimmy Buffet to Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow and Santana. Something for everyone -- and don't forget the food. Kermit says, "I'm always looking for that softshell crab because it's light and you're out in the sun, but normally, I'm looking for some hot sausage and red beans and rice."

Everywhere he plays, even overseas, people ask about the Jazz Fest. "It's the best in the world." And music fans worldwide converge on the Fairgrounds every year for the massive event. Kermit says, "Only in New Orleans. As I always said at the end of my show, 'Only in New Orleans.'"

April 04, 2008