French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI announces an expanded partnership with the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) as the presenting sponsor of Satchmo SummerFest 2023. This highly anticipated annual festival celebrates New Orleans’ legendary son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong and will take place on August 5th and 6th at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint.
Satchmo SummerFest, dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of Louis Armstrong, is a summer extravaganza that promises an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts, festival lovers, and families alike. The vibrant lineup features live music, a captivating speaker series, and an array of culinary delights. From the moment the gates open at 11:30 AM until the last note fades at 8:00 PM, attendees will be immersed in a world of rhythm and harmony.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new presenting sponsor, the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, to Satchmo SummerFest,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. “This collaboration is an extension of our shared values and passion for this unique city. With their support, we have grown the festival experience with new musical acts, indoor piano sessions, and an expanded culinary lineup. Thanks to our friends at New Orleans & Company, the festival will be free and open to the public. We’re proud to host Louisiana’s only annual event dedicated to the music, life, and legacy of Louis Armstrong and we’re excited to make the performances, lectures, and Jazz Museum exhibits available for all audiences.”
“Satchmo SummerFest is a celebration of the deep roots and legacy of New Orleans’ native and world-renowned jazz musician Louis Armstrong,” said Lisa Alexis, President and CEO of NOTCF. “His talent and tenacity have contributed to our city’s cultural footprint on a global scale. By partnering with Satchmo SummerFest, NOTCF is proud to uplift our cultural artists that drive our economy while preserving Armstrong’s legacy to inspire future generations.”
In keeping with FQFI’s commitment to ensure all of their events are welcoming to the community, FQFI is proud to announce that Satchmo SummerFest admission will be FREE, thanks to a new SSF partnership with New Orleans & Company. “An important part of our mission is our commitment to celebrating the richness of our culture,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO, New Orleans & Company. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to increase the accessibility to Satchmo SummerFest for both our local community and visitors, making it free for all those who attend this important festival on our annual cultural calendar.”
As the temperatures heat up, fans can Chill at the Fest thanks to Entergy-New Orleans with the addition of a Chill Tent, complimentary neck chillers, and misting fans throughout the festival site. The Festival also provides access to all of the Jazz Museum’s collection and exhibitions, plus the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry featuring discussions and presentations by world-renowned Armstrong scholars. This year also debuts the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Piano Sessions, providing guests with the opportunity to cool off and enjoy intimate performances from some of the city’s best piano talent while enjoying the art on exhibit in the Jazz Museum.
30 Jazz, Brass, Swing, Funk, and Fusion Acts to Perform,
Along with Satchmo Scholars
Now in its 23rd year, Satchmo SummerFest continues to evolve, embodying the spirit of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. This festival creates a space for musicians to showcase the evolution of the genre through their captivating performances. With the support of the community, sponsors, and passionate music lovers, Satchmo SummerFest promises to be an unparalleled celebration of the vibrant culture that defines the soul of New Orleans.
The festival lineup includes 30 musical acts ranging from traditional jazz to swing, brass and marching bands, funk, R&B, jazz fusion, and more performances. Two-tented outdoor stages, the Fidelity Bank Stage and the Eugenie & Joseph Jones Family Foundation Stage will feature:
Tuba Skinny
Kermit Ruffins tribute to Louis Armstrong
TBC Brass Band featuring Hasizzle
John Boutté
Leroy Jones & New Orleans’ Finest
Charmaine Neville
Troy Sawyer and the Elementz ft. Girls Play Trumpet Too
Kid Merv and All that Jazz
& more!
The inaugural New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Piano Sessions, includes musical selections from renowned pianists like Mari Watanabe & Kevin Louis, that invites guests into the Museum, for three 60-minute sets, each day.
Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry: Two Days of Fascinating Speakers and Discussions
On the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry, scholars and historians will present on a wide range of topics surrounding all things Louis Armstrong. GRAMMY® Award winner Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives and the author of What a Wonderful World, returns with a host of all-star scholars. Join in on Born on the 4th of July: What Independence Day Meant to Louis Armstrong, a robust discussion with Sam Irwin that covers the controversial topic of Armstrong’s actual birthday, and what the ideals of the United States Declaration of Independence mean to the grandson of a slave. ‘Satchelmouth’ enthusiasts will also get a front-row seat to conversations with Riccardi and Maxine Gordon in Velma Middleton: The Final Tour. The duo follows the Louis Armstrong All Stars tour to Africa in the ‘60s and Middleton’s final farewell before suffering a stroke in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Whether you are brushing up on your Louis history or diving into his great adventures for the first time, the one-of-a-kind series is sure to excite. The discussions will take place from 12:00 – 5:00 PM each day. View the full music & speaker lineup here
While inside the Museum, attendees can also access the following exhibits: Exit Stage Right: Zack Smith’s Festival Portraits, Drumsville: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat, The Wildest! Louis Prima Comes Home, and “New Orleans Stomp”: The Centennial of King Oliver’s Groundbreaking 1923 Recordings.
A Foodie’s Delight
Introducing the mouthwatering culinary experience at the highly anticipated 2023 Satchmo SummerFest, proudly presented by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF). This year’s festival promises to delight attendees not only with sensational music but also with an array of unforgettable New Orleans cuisine. Prepare to indulge in a culinary adventure featuring renowned restaurants and up-and-coming chefs that showcase the heart and soul of the city’s vibrant food scene.
For those seeking delectable options to suit various dietary preferences, Beaucoup Eats has crafted a tantalizing menu, without the compromise. Dive into the Vegan Fish Po-Boy or savor the iconic Red Beans & Rice, a dish close to Satchmo’s heart, paired with a choice of Catfish or Vegan Fish.
And that’s not all! Prepare your taste buds for a brand-new addition this year: Southerns. Their award-winning Fried Chicken Sandwich and Fried Fish Sandwich are destined to become instant favorites, serving up irresistible flavors that embody the soul of Southern cuisine.
Fest fans can also delight in the authentic dishes from returning favorites from 14 Parishes, Ditto’s Did Dat, Café Dauphine, and Theaudric’s Real Clever Cuisine. Additionally, cool off with refreshing and tempting treats from Plum Street Snoballs, perfect for beating the summer heat.
This year’s beverage menu will include refreshments from Jack Daniels and Abita Beer, as well as non-alcoholic options from Pepsi, to keep fans hydrated. Click here to see the complete menus.
Official 2023
Satchmo SummerFest Poster
This year’s poster art was created by FQFI graphic designer, Koby Sackey, who has also designed promotional posters for the organization since 2021 and the 2022 FQF Tank (and the Bangas) merchandise poster.
“This image is a wild celebration of an icon, inspired by the electrifying scat singing of legends like Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughan. It captures a scene as surreal as scatting itself, where energy is more important than words. Set against the backdrop of the Old US Mint, where Esplanade Avenue meets the majestic river, the poster weaves together stories within the architecture and geography of this iconic location. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats, the charming businesses, and the vibrant festival site, as music comes alive within the heart of New Orleans.” said Sackey, CEO of Redflare, LLC.
There’s Even More to Enjoy at Our Fest
The 23rd annual event returns with favorite traditions and added fun for the whole family:
Satchmo Soundoff: Music fans of all ages can attend a special performance by some of the city’s youngest and most talented musicians. The Roots of Music presented by Fidelity Bank will kick off this year’s festival Saturday at 11:30am on Esplanade Ave., right outside of the Museum gates.
Satchmo SummerFest Jazz Mass: The Jazz Mass at St. Augustine Church will begin at 10am where attendees can also enjoy a spirited performance by Treme Brass Band. Due to ongoing renovations at St. Augustine Church, mass will be held in the Parish Hall. Please note that space and seating is limited. The mass will be livestreamed on Facebook.com/saintaugchurch.
Satchmo SummerFest Second-Line Parade: The Treme Brass Band will lead attendees out of Sunday mass at St. Augustine Church at 11:15am in the Treme neighborhood and through the French Quarter in a Second-Line parade to the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Greener than Ever
Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), an organization dedicated to “preserving the past, protecting the future,” is committed to returning for a third consecutive year to SSF. BTNEP will once again sponsor the Geauxing Green Initiative. This year’s festival recommits to promoting sustainable practices by strictly allowing only reusable, recyclable, and compostable food and drink products on the festival grounds. By implementing this eco-friendly approach, organizers aim to reduce waste and minimize the event’s environmental impact.
To further support this cause, festival attendees will be greeted by knowledgeable Green Team staff. These dedicated individuals will be stationed throughout the festival grounds, ready to assist the public in properly utilizing recycling and composting stations. By offering guidance and education, the Green Team will empower festival-goers to make informed choices and actively contribute to the event’s sustainability goals. Attendees can also expect to find informative educational materials on-site, highlighting the importance of marine debris prevention and showcasing the positive impact of sustainable practices.
As the two organizations join forces again, their shared commitment to environmental stewardship will continue to shape a festival experience that not only celebrates the rich musical heritage of New Orleans but also promotes a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.
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