Jazz at Congo Square returns on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Armstrong Park’s historic Congo Square, located at 701 N Rampart Street. This free, all-day event celebrates the city’s rich musical and cultural heritage, featuring an exciting lineup of live performances, as well as food, art, and craft vendors showcasing local talents.
The event kicks off at 12:00 p.m. with a set by DJ Redd and runs throughout the day, offering a diverse array of music, dance, and cultural performances. Highlights include the Congo Square Preservation Society Drum Circle, traditional African dance by Mariama Curry & Culu Children, and live performances by New Orleans icons Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra and Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers.
2024 Schedule:
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – DJ Redd
- 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Congo Square Preservation Society Drum Circle
- 2:10 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Tekrema Dance Theatre
- 2:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. – Uptown Music Theatre
- 2:55 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. – Mariama Curry & Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance
- 3:50 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. – Corey Ledet Zydeco
- 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – Delfeayo Marsalis & Uptown Jazz Orchestra
- 5:45 p.m. – 5:55 p.m. – Libation and Call of Ancestors
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers
In addition to the stellar musical lineup, attendees can enjoy food, art and craft vendors offering a variety of local goods. Jazz at Congo Square is open to the public, providing an opportunity for the entire community to come together and celebrate the unique culture of New Orleans.
Delfeayo Marsalis, a music ambassador for the City of New Orleans and founder of three nonprofit organizations, created the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (UJO) in 2008 to spread the joy and brilliance of New Orleans music. UJO’s mission is to promote a deeper appreciation for jazz and its local roots through world-class performances, artistic excellence, education, and community engagement. The orchestra, which features up to 18 musicians, sets a global standard for celebrating jazz in its authentic form while fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in the arts.
In August 2021, Mr. Marsalis launched the Jazz at Congo Square Festival to create more opportunities for New Orleans musicians, artists, and businesses, and to celebrate the city’s vibrant culture. The 2022 edition featured performances by the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Doreen Ketchens, the Brass-A-Holics, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Corey Henry, and more. The festival attracted attendees from across the Greater New Orleans area, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, as well as tourists from other states and countries.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or to view event photos, visit the official Jazz at Congo Square website.
