The world of music turns its attention to South Louisiana for the next 10 days.

The 38th annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival kicks off today, and runs through next weekend on a Friday through Sunday basis.

This is the second festival since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the city as well as the Fairgrounds Racetrack, where the event takes place.

Highlights of this year’s festival include first time performers Rod Stewart, Norah Jones, Steely Dan, Brad Paisley and ZZ Top, as well as musical legends Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Allen Touissant and Irma Thomas among others.

“Jazz Fest is an invitation to move your body and your soul,” said Quint Davis, producer/director of the event. “New Orleans is the best place in the world to listen to music and to sing and dance in an open and loving atmosphere, and this year we’re presenting more music than ever. As always Jazz Fest is going to give festival-goers the best opportunity to participate in this city’s powerful and joyful integration of culture and community.”

Other artists featured this year include the Allman Brothers band, George Benson, Lucinda Williams and Jill Scott and many others.