As the magnitude of the Rochester International Jazz Fest grows, it's getting increasingly harder for promoter John Nugent to keep things under wraps until the line-up announcement in April.

Last year, thanks to a little stealth, City Newspaper was able to announce several major artists well before Nugent's press conference, including James Brown and Etta James. It wasn't that we liked spoiling surprises; it's just that, well, it was so damn exciting we just had to share.

But now Nugent's toying with us. He's put a gag order on booking agents, publicists, and record labels to prevent leaks. Yet he jokes with us and drops little hints. And with those hints and some haphazard deduction, we've started to speculate about some Jazz Fest line-up possibilities and non-possibilities.

YEA

Nugent, referring to the late Godfather of Soul's appearance last summer, hints that he has an equally wild artist coming this year. Whose classic boogie-woogie and rock 'n' roll music might appeal to jazz fans? Who might be somewhat physically aggressive on stage? Who has a new album out? Jerry Lee Lewis.

Norah Jones went big time right about the same time she played the first JazzFest. She just released a new album and would certainly pack the Eastman Theatre. She owes us.

Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello just did an album together, and Costello's album with Metropole Orkest My Flame Burns Blue from last year is positively swingin'. And Costello's old lady Diana Krall tickles the ivories and sings as breathy and hot as Julie London. How about that for a triple bill?

NAY

Andy Summers might be a good crossover artist. He did an album a few years back dedicated to Thelonious Monk. But with The Police reuniting (and it feels so good) for the Grammy Awards, a tour is inevitable, so that rules Summers out.

Tom Waits would be an amazing addition but is adamant about not doing anything with corporate sponsorship.

YOUR GUESS

We're inviting readers to submit their own speculations --- wild as they may be. Follow our logic and see how close you've come when Nugent makes it all official. Post your guesses below!