Get Jazzed Up for Satchmo SummerFest
On August 2 and 3, Satchmo SummerFest will return to New Orleans for its 25th anniversary thanks to the NOTCF (New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund).
More than just a music festival, Satchmo SummerFest celebrates Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and his enduring influence in the jazz scene and New Orleans as a whole. The festival will take place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and admittance is free.
Festival-goers can expect a lineup as diverse as the city in which they are partying in. From jazz to funk and R&B, the performers are an eclectic mix of up-and-coming artists and voices that you know and love. This year's lineup includes Ricky Riccardi, Shamarr Allen, Alicia Renee, Jelly Joseph, and many more!
Beyond the Sound
In addition to these exciting musical acts, the festival is featuring the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry, a space for conversation and storytelling about the life, career, and influence of Louis Armstrong. A range of speakers will be giving talks throughout the festival to shed light on various aspects of Satchmo's legacy.
Dr. Robert S. Mikell will explore Armstrong's impact on films as he transferred his musical prowess into Hollywood fame. James Andrews, Kermit Ruffins, and Donna Poniatowski Sims will converse on how Armstrong's legacy affects New Orleans artists today. Joseph Darensbourg—nephew of Joe Darensbourg the famous clarinetist—and Sally Young will speak about the musician's role as a part of Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars. Finally, author Sam Irwin will present a lecture entitled "You Rascal You: Louis Armstrong's Hidden Transcripts."
Festival Food
This year's Satchmo SummerFest features dishes from 14 parishes, which are sure to have you doing a happy dance as you sample these delicious bites.
Café Dauphine will be plating up red beans and rice, seafood egg rolls, and fried green tomatoes dressed with shrimp remoulade. Plum St. Snoballs are sure to cool you off with a refreshing sweet treat. Southerns will serve up fried chicken and fried fish sandwiches. Nori Guys will be offering nachos and sushi tacos. Mrs. Wheat's Louisiana Meat Pies will be providing spicy Cajun pies with sides such as curly fries and jambalaya.
Drink offerings will consist of a variety of vendors including Jack Daniel's, Abita Brewing Company, White Claw Vodka, and Caymus Vineyards Wine. Pepsi will offer non-alcoholic beverages. Also, enjoy some shade and grab a caffeine boost at one of the two Folgers Cafés located at the festival's food areas.
Satchmo Salute Parade
On the final day of the festival (Sunday, August 3), join in at 11:15 a.m. outside of St. Augustine Church for an anniversary second line! Don your linen and seersucker to replicate traditional seasonal attire and sashay your way through the Tremé neighborhood.
Fun fact: St. Augustine Church is the very same church Louis Armstrong went to as a kid!
Other Events and Amenities
Get in the festival mood with the Roots of Music Satchmo Soundoff, which will occur at the start of the festival. A lively performance full of rising talents, the Soundoff is sure to get you amped up for a weekend of festivities!
For the duration of the festival, Entergy will be providing Chill at the Fest, services designed to keep you cool while having as much fun as possible. Nobody is happy if they're overheating! Enjoy neck chillers and misting fans to beat the heat.
Before the second line, there will be a Jazz Mass at 10 a.m. on Sunday at St. Augustine Church, with music supplied by the Treme Brass Band. The service will take place in the Parish Hall. There is limited seating, so make sure to arrive early or tune into the live stream.
Volunteering
Are you 16 or older and interested in helping out at Satchmo SummerFest? Sign-ups are open now. Shifts vary, from working merchandise and beverage stands to working Jazz Mass or helping out the Green Team. Keep in mind that you must be 21 or older to work alcohol service.
Satchmo SummerFest will show its appreciation to volunteers with a commemorative t-shirt, merchandise, beverage credits, entries into raffles, and more!
