Saturday, June 7th, is proving to be a busy day for Irvin Mayfield.

On top of a celebratory Central City block party in honor of the start of construction on the New Orleans Jazz Market, registration will open for Mayfield’s summer program at the University of New Orleans.

Irvin Mayfield plays his trumpet at the New Orleans Jazz Market Groundbreaking Ceremony. (Photo by Stephen Maloney)

Registration for the summer program costs $75 and can be completed at either Medard H. Nelson Charter School from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or at the block party at the Central City Fire Station from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Irvin Mayfield School of Music at UNO has been in session for 20 years, providing New Orleans’ youth between the 4th and 8th grades with musical knowledge and guidance.

Running from June 9th to July 3rd, the program utilizes the immense musical history of New Orleans and employs local teachers and musicians in the musical education of students.

But, despite his looming obligations, Irvin Mayfield still finds time for a block party.

In celebration of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s recent announcement of the plan to construct the New Orleans Jazz Market, a performing arts and community center in Central City, a free block party will be held at Squirt 16 Fire Station.

Mayfield has been instrumental in lobbying for a “home venue” for his New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, which has played in venues across the city since it’s inception.

The block party, which will occur on Saturday, June 7th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., will feature a performance by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra from 2-4:30 p.m. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be grilled by the Squirt 16 Firemen and handed out to attendees for free. Local restaurants and produce retailers will also offer free samples.

In addition to the performances and food, attendees will be able to enter an “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where they will learn about instruments used by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Tours of a firetruck will be given, with children getting the opportunity to meet and talk with local firemen.

All of this comes on the heels of Mayfield’s recent trip to New York City, where he accepted the Gordon Parks Foundation Award on June 3.