New Orleans Jazz Fest kicks off second week

(CBS News) Last week, it was a 2.5-hour set by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band and the harmonies of the reunited Beach Boys.

This week, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival  week two kicks off Thursday, featuring more than 200 acts, including Marcia Ball, Ne-Yo, Foo Fighters, Irma Thomas, Jimmy Buffett, Better Than Ezra, the Eagles, My Morning Jacket, Bonnie Raitt, Rebirth Brass Band and the Neville Brothers.

Festival co-founder Quint Davis says this year more than 500 acts will rotate across 12 stages over the course of two weekends.

Davis co-founded the music festival in 1970 with Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein.

"Initially, it was like the world's largest indigenous back-yard barbecue," Davis told Reuters. "Over time, the festival has become an authentic home to some very rare and deep traditions that only exist in south Louisiana. It's now like Mardi Gras - it's part of the cultural fabric of New Orleans."

Even after the festival gates close each night, the music continues along Bourbon Street, inside New Orleans' bars.

About 400,000 people are expected to attend this year's Jazz Fest at the Fair Grounds horse-racing track. The event winds down on Sunday.

See the full line-up here.