This weekend will be bittersweet on the lazy Mississippi as the West Bank hosts its eighth annual Old Algiers Riverfest on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 – 29, but will also be the last opportunity to enjoy the age-old tradition of taking the free ferry boat across the river and back. That’s right, beginning on October 1 the Canal/Algiers ferry will cost $2 per ride.

Literally ages-old, the Canal/Algiers ferry has been in service for nearly 200 years (with new boats, of course), but after Hurricane Katrina was forced to scale back its operation hours. Apparently the City and State decided the government could no longer afford to subsidize the ferry, yet are slated to re-expand hours again once fees are in place. However, 12 full hours of some of the best New Orleans music will still be free at the fest, so actually, it’s still a great deal.

2013 Old Algiers Riverfest Official Poster by Varion Laurent

Presented annually to celebrate the cultural contributions of Old Algiers, Riverfest is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional jazz and other indigenous sounds that came of age along the (western) banks of the Mississippi River. This year’s line-up features some favorite New Orleans festival performers, yet also hosts a few acts not always easy to catch. Surely well worth more than your $4 there and back.

The whole thing kicks-off Saturday, appropriately (the West Bank being the maroon side of the river), with a Mardi Gras Indian parade followed by a  live performance by the Mohawk Hunters (the West Bank’s only active, local Black Indian tribe) beginning at 12 Noon. Then everything from trad jazz and gospel to experimental jazz-funk and brass will keep Old Algiers jamming until 6 p.m. Party-starters like the Hot 8 Brass Band will take the stage, along with headlining contemporary power trio; Nicholas Payton, Roland Guerin and Johnny Vidacovich.

Or you can start your Sunday with some dance lessons from Tuba Skinny and the Quarter rag time band at Noon, and stay all afternoon to enjoy the Algiers Brass Band and brass-hop don, Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, among others. Sunday will close out with two treats; a special set from one of New Orleans’ Jazz at Lincoln Center kings, drummer Herlin Riley and finally Dr. Michael White’s Liberty Jazz Band at 5 p.m.

Old Algiers Riverfest will also, of course, offer plenty of local eats, arts, crafts and even children’s activities each day from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. It takes place at the intersection of Patterson Drive and Belleville Street in Algiers Point, just minutes from the ferry dock. The festival is free of charge and all ages. Complete schedule, map and more info: www.oldalgiersriverfest.com