Bayou Boogaloo 2016. Photo by Bob Adamek

Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo announces 2022 music lineup, including Ani DiFranco and Big Freedia

Ani DiFranco will join Sonny Landreth, supergroup Dragon Smoke, the Squirrel Nut Zippers and the Soul Rebels featuring Big Freedia at the 16th Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, which returns to the banks of Bayou St. John May 20, 21 and 22. The annual three-day neighborhood festival features music on four stages and raises funds to support a clean and healthy Bayou St. John.

“We are beyond excited to once again bring a top notch music lineup to our long-time home on the banks of Bayou St. John,” said Jared Zeller, festival producer, founder and president of Friends of Bayou St. John, tnon-profit organization that produces the festival.

In 2021, a mini Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo “in exile” was held at The Broad Theater with five bands over three days and an arts market. The 2020 festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The complete 2022 Bayou Boogaloo music lineup includes: Ani DiFranco, Dragon Smoke, Soul Rebels featuring Big Freedia, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Chapel Hart, Red Baraat, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, Sonny Landreth, Maggie Koerner, Michot Melody Makers, New Soul Finders featuring Marc Stone, Marilyn Barbarin with Reggie Scanlan and Papa Mali, Los Skarnales, Noisewater, Boukou Groove, Fermin Caballos, Notel Motel, Juno Dunes, The Fortifiers, Papa Mali Shantytown Underground, Colin Lake Band, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, Lisa Amos, A Tribute to Spencer Bohren featuring the Whippersnappers, Big Fun Brass Band, Young Fellaz Brass Band and the Young Pinstripe Brass Band.

In addition to music on four stages, Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo boasts a curated arts market, a Kid’s Stage and games area, a VIP Canopy Club and food from 30 local restaurants. The festival is also known for its paddling and yoga activities.

Three-day weekend tickets are now available for $45 and can be purchased here. This is a general admission weekend pass with in and out privileges; a limited quantity available. The price will increase to $50 on May 16. Kids under 12 are free.

Single day tickets will go on sale March 31.

Also available for purchase now are three-day Canopy Club passes for $240. Canopy Club passes allow the holder festival entry as well as access to the Canopy Club V.I.P. area, which is a shaded oasis next to the stage with comfy seating, restrooms and a complimentary bar and unique catering. Canopy Club passes available here.

Returning sponsors include: The Ruby Slipper, Pacifico, Bud Light, Paradise Park by Urban South and Tito’s Vodka. Any businesses or individuals interested in becoming a sponsor of the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo should email [email protected].