Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra will host the Inaugural Jazz at Congo Square, a free celebration of New Orleans music, culture and traditions in Armstrong Park on Sunday, August 8, from 1 to 7 p.m. The festival will feature a variety of artists who have contributed the city’s local scene and the international music community.
Jazz at Congo Square was created to promote and maintain the significance of Congo Square, while highlighting why the space is and should remain a historical landmark in New Orleans. The festival will also feature local art and merchandise vendors and food from local restaurants, chefs and purveyors. Nonprofit organizations who share a similar mission of preserving New Orleans will also be represented.
“In this past year and a half, musicians around the world have faced and conquered what seemed like insurmountable circumstances,” says Marsalis. “Now, we’re looking to the future, which means celebrating the past, embracing the present and focusing on building sustainable futures for New Orleans culture bearers. As we grow the festival and create new touchpoints, we expect to create a movement that both honors Congo Square and supports the New Orleans talent pool.”
Proceeds from Jazz at Congo Square will benefit two community-based organizations founded by Marsalis: the Uptown Music Theatre, an award-winning organization that empowers youth through musical theatre training, and Keep NOLA Music Alive (KNOMA)—founded in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic for the purpose of providing emergency relief to the culture bearers of New Orleans.
Jazz at Congo Square will kick-off with a VIP Patron Party at Gallier Hall on Friday, August 6, with a performance by Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at the building’s Ty Tracy Theater. VIP guests can bid on the original artwork created for the official festival poster and other items. Tickets may be purchased here.
The festival will begin at 1 p.m. with a call to the ancestors led by the Congo Square Preservation Society Drum Circle and master percussionist Luther Gray, and poetry read by activist Sunni Patterson. The musical lineup will include DJ Captain Charles, Vegas Cola Band, Kyle Roussel, Mykia Jovan, Tonya Boyd Cannon (from the hit TV show The Voice), Stooges Brass Band, and a performance by Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra featuring music from their Best of the Beat award-winning CD Jazz Party. The event will end with a jam session and second line parade led by Stooges Brass Band.
Local creators, artists, restaurants and retail stores may inquire about booths (10×10 and 10×20 spaces are available) here. For more information about the performers at Jazz at Congo Square, visit wefundraisenow.org/congolineup2021.
