Celebrating the Mississippi River
The NOLA River Fest returns for its 12th annual celebration on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. This free, day-long festival honors the Mississippi River's cultural, economic, environmental, and inspirational impacts on the Crescent City.
Fueling not only the city but the entire country, the Mississippi might just be the most important body of water in the nation. At the very least, this river deserves gratitude for its influence on rock and roll, jazz, funk, and more on the land it nurtures. Often enjoyed on a river walk, a bike ride along the Mississippi River Trail, or a picnic at Audubon Park, honor all that the river unknowingly does for the Crescent City at River Fest. This year's event blends live music, educational panels, and family-friendly activities for all.
Live Music, Educational Panels, & Family Activities
Since its inception, NOLA River Fest has been unique among Louisiana festivals, blending entertainment with education to raise awareness of water management issues and the importance of conservation. By celebrating the Mississippi's legacy, the festival encourages visitors to appreciate and contribute to the ongoing preservation efforts that sustain the community and its cultural heritage. The event boasts a parade and live performances. The headlining act will feature Bobby Rush, the Grammy-winning blues artist set to sing in honor of his home state and who has funky river-blues beats like "Down in Mississipi and "Chicken Heads".
The festival starts with a vibrant second line in Jackson Square at 11 a.m., featuring the N'awlins D'awlins Baby Dolls and Big Queen Mary Kay of the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas Indians. The following acts will feature the Treme Lafitte Brass Band, bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans brass music to the festival. Next will feature the Egg Yolk Jubilee, the Grayhawk Perkins & Friends, a band blending Native American and New Orleans influences, the Jason Neville Funky Soul Band, and more.
Educating festival-goers on the impact of the Mississippi on music and culture in New Orleans will be scholars Kevin McCafferty, Glen Pitre, and Gwen Thompkins. Specifically, patrons will learn about the history and development of the style of music Mississippi Delta blues.
For those wishing to join from afar, the event will host virtual livestreams. In-person attendees, head to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at 400 Esplanade Ave.. For more information, head to neworleansjazzmuseum.com or follow NOLA River Fest on Facebook.
About New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates the history of jazz in the city where it was born. Through dynamic interactive exhibits, multi-generational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances, the museum brings jazz to life.