U2 guitarist makes surprise appearance

U2 guitarist the Edge was a surprise performer at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival over the weekend. On Saturday (April 29th), he took the stage with the NewBirth Brass Band and added his vocals to "Stand By Me," then after a break, he picked up a guitar and joined headliners the Dave Matthews Band on their song "Smooth Rider." The Edge is behind the charity Music Rising, which is raising money to replace musical instruments lost or destroyed last year due to Hurricane Katrina. He said, "Being here is an absolute pleasure. It is a chance for me to see some of the things that have been happening as a result of the work that Music Rising has been doing in New Orleans. "Speaking to people on the street (about) how important music is here, and that what we're doing is actually making a difference... in that sense, it's been an incredible and humbling experience to be here," according to the official u2.com website.

The Edge also said, "I'm in no doubt that there's still a helluva lot to do," but he noted that progress has already been made in the city, and he added, "We're going to continue doing what we can to try and support the musicians and the music."

There's no word on whether the Edge or any of his U2 bandmates will be in New Orleans for the second Jazz Fest weekend, which starts Friday (May 5th).
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