Rosie Ledet & Zydeco Playboys, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and his Roadmasters and more will perform for free in City Park for the Threadhead Cultural Foundation’s unofficial Jazz Fest kickoff.

Taking place on Haspel stage of the New Orleans Botanical Garden this Thursday, April 26,  “Threadhead Thursday” will offer food for attendees from choice vendors like Blue Oak BBQ and Fete au Fete & Taceaux Loceaux food trucks. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged for the family affair (as are donations to City Park)! Dave Jordan & the NIA will open up the evening’s musical offerings.

Wolfman is busy gearing up for a handful of Jazz Fest appearances (including some late-night shows) while promoting his latest album, My Future Is My Past.

In a 2001 interview with OffBeat, Rosie Ledet said “Some people here just aren’t used to the kind of music we play. They say it’s branching off from what they call ‘mash down zydeco’ here. But that’s what I want. I don’t look like ’em, so I don’t want to play like ’em. I don’t want to be just one of the guys.”

Sponsored by Zatarain’s with assistance from a New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation grant, the event runs from 6-10 p.m. For more information, click here.