Satchmo SummerFest (English version)

Satchmo SummerFest is an annual festival honoring the great Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, the legendary jazz musician born and raised in New Orleans, whose raspy voice and instrumental skills are known far and wide. Satchmo is a beloved figure in New Orleans, and his influence on the genre of jazz, music in general, and the city of New Orleans is prevalent all across the Crescent City.

This year’s Satchmo SummerFest takes place from August 2-4, with its headquarters for fest-goers at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (previously the Old U.S. Mint). The weekend will feature live music shows, food, drink, and special events including seminars and lectures.

Outdoor events at SatchmoFest feature live bands on three stages, starring some of New  Orleans' top traditional musicians. Many of them will pay their tributes to Armstrong and his music. Head inside the Jazz Museum for more music and fun.

The music lineup will include a wide range of diverse artists. The stellar 2019 lineup includes:

• Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers
• Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet
• Robin Barnes & the Fiyabirds
• Shannon Powell
• Ellis Marsalis
• Jeremy Davenport
• Leroy Jones
• Big 6 Brass Band

For the full line-up and schedule, visit the festival's official website.

Enjoy local food vendors such as Ajun Cajun, Cafe Dauphine, Crepes a la Cart, Praline Connection, the Company Burger, Plum Street Snoballs, and more! From poboys and crawfish pies to shrimp remoulade and fried chicken, you won't leave hungry!

Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong
There are a lot of legends in New Orleans, but arguably few are as legendary as Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong.
Born in New Orleans on August 4, 1901, he grew up in “Back o’ Town,” a rough and tough area around South Rampart Street, where skyscrapers and the Superdome now stand. Fame found him in the 1920’s and by the time he passed away 1971 he was known around the world.
Armstrong played the trumpet, cornet and had an unmistakable gravely-raspy, singing voice. He was influential in jazz, moving the focus from collective improvisation to solo performance.

Originally planned to be a one-time tribute to Louis Armstrong on his 100th birthday in 2001, the Satchmo SummerFest was such a big hit that New Orleans decided to make it into an annual event.
The festival takes place at the Old U.S. Mint, located on the edge of the French Quarter between the French Market and Esplanade Avenue.  Like the festival’s namesake, the main focus of Satchmo Fest is music. Many of New Orleans’ top musicians perform on several stages outdoors, often paying tribute to Armstrong and his music. 
Festival-goers can also sign up for seminars and lectures by knowledgeable music authorities, or attend smaller concerts inside the Old Mint.
For an added culinary bonus, New Orleans’ restaurants set up shop around the festival for easy access to some of the city’s best food. 

Music: Experience live music all weekend featuring traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, brass bands and children's programming across multiple stages. Friday kicks off with some heavy hitters that include the Preservation Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers and Cyril Neville's Swamp Funk. Saturday's schedule includes performances by Doyle Cooper Jazz band, the Treme Brass Band and Robin Barnes & The Fiyabirds. Rounding out Sunday's lineup are Jeremy Davenport  and Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony.

Seminars and Speakers: During the festival, take advantage of the seminars and discussions, featuring a host of speakers that include archivist Ricky Riccardi from the Louis Armstrong House Museum in New York, plus many other sessions with educational and entertaining speakers who knew or were inspired by Louis Armstrong. Don't miss Melissa Weber, known to her fans as DJ Soul Sister, interview Grammy winner Nicholas Payton about Louis Armstrong's influence.
Special Events during the Festival: Visitors can seek out these extra events taking place during the festival. Check out the family-oriented Pop's Playhouse for kids and the Jazz Mass and second line parade that follows.

 
Food and Drink: No New Orleans party would be complete without amazing Louisiana fare. Abita Brewing serves up the Official Beer of Satchmo Summerfest. Try out some of the fabulous cuisine and dishes that Louis Armstrong loved, plus dishes from local vendors that include Plum Street Snowballs, Dorignac's Food Center, Cafe Dauphine and The Company Burger.

History:

Satchmo SummerFest started in 2001 as a tribute to Louis Armstrong, one of New Orleans’ most prominent native residents on his 100th birthday (“Satchmo” was one of Armstrong’s several nicknames). In its 18th year, the fest remains the August highlight and just the respite we need from the long weeks of the summer.

The annual festival, traditionally held over the three days of the first weekend of August in the French Quarter, is easy to navigate and get to. Satchmo SummerFest will be spread on three stages at the U.S. Mint. Grammy-winning Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas made her Satchmo SummerFest debut in 2018. 

The opening night kickoff party takes place on Thursday, August 1 at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.
Ellis Marsalis, one of the world’s most decorated jazz musicians, will headline the kickoff party and fundraiser, where he’ll be joined by special guest Ashlin Parker. The fundraiser takes place at the Omni Royal Orleans (612 St. Louis St.), with Marsalis performing during the opening dinner and cocktail reception from 7 to 9:30 p.m. 

Also happening during the kickoff party is the awards ceremony, where three individuals will be given a “Spirit of Satchmo Award” for their “commitment to preserving and honoring Armstrong’s legacy.” This year, those three individuals are Jackie Harris, Corey Henry and Ricky Riccardi.
“For nearly 20 years, we’ve celebrated the beautiful music and spirit of Louis Armstrong through concerts, conversations, and community. We’re proud to continue to produce Satchmo SummerFest for New Orleans locals and visitors from around the country and world,” said Emily Madero, President & CEO of FQFI.