The lineup has been released for this year's Gates of Prayer Music and Art Festival and headliners include NOLA legend George Porter, Jr. & The Porter Trio, as well as the Rebirth Brass Band. This will be a day full of legendary New Orleans music (including Bonerama, the Walter "Wolfman" Washington Trio, and Preservation Brass) while in a COVID-safe environment. The festival will take place at 4000 West Esplanade Ave. in Metairie on Sunday, April 25. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will start off with an opening prayer by Rabbi David Gerber and close off with a final performance from Rebirth Brass Band. In addition to incredible performance by world-class bands, a wide range of artists will also be displayed in the Art Village. You are welcome to take a stroll to view the beautiful art displays and even purchase your favorites. For a list of artists that will be featured, please visit gatesfest.org.
GatesFest will be made possible during the pandemic through proper planning and modifications done by organizers, which includes sectioning out areas and setting up pods across their 40,000 sq. ft property, which can fit up to 70 pods. Large pods that are 7'x7' can accommodate six people, while mini pods that are 7'x3' can accommodate parties of two to three people. The area was also sectioned accurately so that no matter where you are, all pods will have exceptional views of both stages and be able to hear the music perfectly. Pods will be randomly assigned based on the section chosen by attendees.
VIP large and mini pods are also available for purchase. These pods will include a banner facing West Esplanade Avenue with your name/logo during the month of April; access to indoor restrooms, private catering, and an open bar; pod food and beverage delivery service; one on-site parking pass; one GatesFest poster; and a custom sign by artist Nan Parati. Only attendees who purchase a VIP pod will be granted a parking pass. All other attendees must park off-site around Gates of Prayer, legally and respectfully. To reserve your pod and check prices, click HERE.
Besides enforcing social distancing guidelines by keeping nine-feet of distance in between every pod, GatesFest will also enforce temperature checks for all attendees, as well as questioning for COVID symptoms as per the CDC's recommendation. Masks will be required for every attendee and must be covering both face and nose at all times. Face shield covering will NOT be permitted in substitution for a mask. All attendees are asked to please stay in their designated pods. Attendees in each pod must be part of the same family or quarantine group. No commingling is allowed between attendees of other pods. There will be aisles to help guide attendees accordingly from their pods to designated areas such as the restrooms or food and beverage stands. If an attendee leaves the pod for food or beverages, their mask must stay on until arriving back at their designated pod. Anyone who refuses to follow COVID safety guidelines may result in being denied entrance or expulsion from the event.
For more information about the lineup, COVID guidelines, and other GatesFest rules, please visit gatesfest.org.
