NEXT WEEKEND: Satchmo SummerFest in New Orleans

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The 19th annual Satchmo SummerFest returns August 2-4, 2019 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint. Produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), Satchmo SummerFest is an unparalleled celebration of the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans’ native son, Louis Armstrong.

Recently named one of the most “interesting things to experience in Louisiana” by Oprah Magazine, the event brings performances from New Orleans’ most talented musicians, with a focus on traditional and contemporary jazz and brass bands.

2 Hours of Louis Armstrong

The nominal daily admission of $6 (children 12 and under are free) helps support local musicians and pay for the event. Admission also provides access to the Jazz Museum’s collection and exhibitions plus indoor activities like Pops’ Playhouse for Kids powered by Entergy New Orleans and the Hilton Satchmo Legacy Stage featuring presentations by renowned Armstrong scholars.

Ayo Scott Selected as 2019 Poster Artist

New Orleans artist Ayo Scott was selected as the 2019 French Quarter Festivals, Inc. artist, creating the artwork for both the French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest posters. Scott graduated from Xavier University in 2003 and attended graduate school at The Institute of Design in Chicago. Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, he returned home to help the city rebuild. During that time, he started NOYO Designs Inc. and began to evolve from commercial graphic design work to making his own art.

“When looking at the impact of jazz on music and music on the world, Louis Armstrong may be the single most influential person to be born in New Orleans,” Scott said. “I’m humbled to be able to create a tribute to such a man. I’m excited to share ‘Reflections of King Louie’, the 2019 Satchmo SummerFest Poster.”

Culinary Lineup Includes Four Debuts

In addition to music, the 2019 Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron will feature cuisine from some of New Orleans’ favorite restaurants. Four restaurants make debuts this year: beloved local grocer Dorignac’s Food Center will serve Armstrong’s famously favorite dish, Red Beans and Rice; Gulf Tacos will offer up pork belly, shrimp, and fish tacos, along with street corn; attendees can look forward to Jambalaya and refreshing fruit skewers from Rusty Pelican; and Congreso Cubano debuts with Ropa Vieja and Maduros Fritos. Returning favorites include Big Cheezy, Café Dauphine, Company Burger, Plum Street Snoballs, Quintin’s Ice Cream, and Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant. Click here to see the complete menus.

Beer and wine lovers will not want to miss the return of the Abita Beer Garden, serving favorites and seasonal brews, and the Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé Café, a shaded place to relax and take in the festival environment. For those seeking refreshing non-alcoholic options, Bubly will offer lime and grapefruit sparking beverages, and Luzianne Iced Tea and French Market Cold Brew will be available.

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Summertime

A Dozen Artists Make Festival Debuts

More than 30 Acts to Perform, Along with Satchmo Scholars

The 2019 festival lineup includes more than 30 acts, ranging from traditional jazz to swing, brass and marching bands, funk, R&B, jazz fusion, and more performing on two tented stages over three days. A dozen musicians will make their Satchmo SummerFest debut, including Cyril Neville with Omari Neville & the Fuel on the Fidelity Bank Stage. Other debuts include:

  • · Big 6 Brass Band
  • · Big Easy Brawlers
  • · Catie Rodgers and the Gentilly Stompers
  • · Cyril Neville
  • · DinosAurchestra
  • · Lafayette Charter Academy Marching Band
  • · Michael Ward
  • · New Orleans Classic Big Band with Ricky Riccardi
  • · Smitty Dee’s Brass Band featuring Dimitri Smith
  • · The Garden of Joy
  • · Tonya Boyd-Cannon
  • · Troy Sawyer and the Elementz

Returning Satchmo SummerFest favorites include Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Charmaine Neville, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Preservation Brass, Robin Barnes & The Fiyabirds, Trumpet Mafia, Jeremy Davenport, and the Treme Brass Band. View the full musical lineup here: https://satchmosummerfest.org/music/.

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Hilton Satchmo Legacy Stage: Three Days of Fascinating Speakers and Discussions

On the Hilton Satchmo Legacy Stage, scholars and historians will present on a wide range of topics surrounding all things Louis Armstrong. Highlights include: Veronique Dorsey, Jazz Henry, and Marla Dixon interviewed by Gwen Thompkins on the experience of the female trumpeter in New Orleans; Melissa A. Weber: On Louis Armstrong and Black American Music: A Conversation with Nicholas Payton; Matt Sakakeeny: The Tradition of Innovation; Sally Young and Deanna Assunto: Louis and The Assunto Dukes of Dixieland; and festival favorite Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives and the author of “What a Wonderful World”, screening rare video clips featuring Satchmo. Fans can dive deep into the life and legacy of Armstrong and learn how his craft continues to reverberate today. View the full Hilton Satchmo Legacy Stage schedule here: https://satchmosummerfest.org/music/.

Festival Features Family Fun, Cultural Activities

In addition to music and food, festival goers can enjoy a full slate of family-friendly activities throughout the event. The Pops’ Playhouse for Kids powered by Entergy will feature fun activities August 3 and 4 from 11:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. including: Zulu Coconut Decorating Station, Hosted by Junior Zulus; Second Line Umbrella Decoration & Celebration Station, Hosted by FQFI; Red Bean Satchmo Shakers, Hosted by FQFI; Satchmo Sewing, Hosted by Great Spirit Warriors Indian Tribe; Satchmo Sachets, Hosted by Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses; Congo Drum Making, Hosted by Kamau Wesley Phillips; Electric Bicycle, Hosted by Entergy; and Face Painting, Hosted by Ocean Heroes.

Louis Armstrong – A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Tickets for Kickoff Fundraiser Party On Sale Now

Fans can help raise funds for the three-day festival by purchasing tickets to the opening night kickoff party August 1. The party will feature music from preeminent jazz musician and New Orleans native Ellis Marsalis, Jr., with special guest Ashlin Parker. Marsalis will perform during the dinner and cocktail reception from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St. Louis St., New Orleans. Purchase tickets for the fundraiser online at satchmosummerfest.org.

Jazz Mass, Satchmo Salute, Trumpet Tribute, and other Special Events

In addition to a weekend full of great music, food, multimedia presentations, and children’s activities, Satchmo SummerFest features an array of special events including the the Satchmo Sound-off near the GE Stage on the Esplanade neutral ground, annual Jazz Mass sponsored by Rhodes Funeral Home at historic St. Augustine Church in Treme, a traditional second line parade, and the ‘Trumpet Tribute’ sponsored by Orpheum Theater which closes the festival Sunday night with a Satchmo birthday party.

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Dream A Little Dream of Me

Happy Birthday, Satchmo!

Satchmo SummerFest is scheduled annually to coincide with Louis Armstrong’s birthday on August 4th; the first festival took place on what would have been his 100th birthday, the same year the New Orleans airport was renamed Louis Armstrong International Airport. The artist often stated in public interviews that he was born on July 4, 1900 (Independence Day), a date that has been noted in many biographies. Armstrong died in 1971 and his true birthdate, August 4, 1901, was not discovered until the mid-1980s. Louis Armstrong was raised in a poor section of New Orleans known as “Jane Alley.” Throughout his career, he entertained millions – from heads of state and royalty to the neighborhood kids on his stoop in Corona, New York. Despite his fame, he lived a simple life in a working-class neighborhood. The man known around the world as “Satchmo,” short for Satchelmouth, was widely recognized as a founding father of jazz – a unique American art form. In 1932, Melody Maker magazine editor Percy Brooks greeted Armstrong in London with “Hello, Satchmo!” and the nickname stuck. His influence as an artist and cultural icon is universal, unmatched, and very much alive today.

When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You) – Louis Armstrong

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