In a city full of festivals, Satchmo Fest stands out. Since 2000, New Orleanians and visitors have gathered at the Old U.S. Mint each August to celebrate the life of Louis Armstrong. Satchmo Fest, which is likely the only festival to pay tribute to this music legend in such a way, remains true to its purpose.
“The fest is focused on one man and how he changed the world. He’s just as big now as he was when he was alive,” says Marci Schramm, director of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. “It has its own personality.”
Besides showcasing traditional jazz from such talents as Jeremy Davenport, Tim Laughlin, Leah Chase, Soul Rebels, and Rebirth Brass Band, Satchmo Fest hosts a slew of events. During the Trumpet Tribute on Sunday, for example, some of the best musicians from around the world take the stage and participate in one big jam session. Each artist attempts to outdo the other, creating a stellar orchestra of sound.
The Trumpet Tribute is followed by a birthday celebration for Satchmo. Louis Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901. After the whole audience sings “happy birthday,” cake is distributed throughout the crowd.
But the most unique feature of Satchmo Fest is the colloquium. “We have a world class educational component where we bring in Armstrong scholars from all over,” Schramm says. Panel speakers for 2011 include Louis Armstrong’s record producer, who is now 92 years old, along with Dan Morgenstern, a multiple Grammy Award winner and the director of jazz studies at Rutgers University, and Michael Cogswell, the director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in New York. “It’s fascinating,” Schramm says of the seminars. They broadcast documentaries and play music in an intimate setting. And since the colloquium is open to dialogue with the audience, guests can ask questions or make a rebuttal. Another plus is that the indoor seminars offer respite from the summer heat.
“We have some interesting seminars this year,” says Schramm. This year’s colloquium includes a panel on artists and athletes, which is a first for the fest. One segment focuses on Louis Armstrong’s trumpeter and the physicality that goes into his performing. From the impact on his shoulders, lungs, and hearing, the discussion revolves around the physical exertion that comes with playing certain instruments.
In addition to a presentation from Ricky Riccardi, musician and author of “What a Wonderful World,” Universal Music plans to launch a box set of Louis Armstrong’s career. The “travel bag” contains rediscovered recordings, interviews, behind the scenes studio chatter, and an illustrated coffee table book about Satchmo’s life, along with other memorabilia. This is perfect for the ultimate Louis Armstrong fan. “We’re excited that New Orleans will get national and international attention because of this,” exclaims Schramm.
But besides the seminars and music, many look forward to the popular Jazz Mass. Essentially a Catholic ceremony with a jazz component, the Jazz Mass takes place on Sunday morning at St. Augustine church in Treme and includes music from Yoshio Toyoma – the “Satchmo of Japan” – the Treme Brass Band, and other local acts.
Schramm provides a bit of advice for those planning to attend the mass. “St. Augustine is a small, beautiful church, so it’s standing room only. You have to get there early.” After mass, a traditional second line leaves the church and parades to Louis Armstrong Park where they pay tribute to Satchmo’s statue.
And let’s not forget about the food. Satchmo Fest features ‘Red Bean Alley,’ which boasts vendors from several of the best eateries in New Orleans. “We call it ‘Red Bean Alley’ because red beans and rice was Armstrong’s favorite dish,” Schramm explains.
The offerings include Wanda Walker’s cochon de lait po-boys, spring rolls from Amy’s Vietnamese Café, and Plum Street Snoballs.
Although she truly enjoys the food and music, Marci Schramm favors Satchmo Fest for another reason.
“The thing I love most about Satchmo Fest is that it’s like a giant family reunion,” she reveals. Schramm cites the scholarly groups that come to New Orleans to reflect on Armstrong’s influence as an example. “They are the most wonderful people that you could ever meet!”
