Loyola University New Orleans’ School of Music and Theatre Professions has partnered with the French Quarter Festival for the sponsorship of the Esplanade in the Shade Stage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint.
The Esplanade in the Shade Stage will feature Loyola musicians performing across four sets throughout the weekend, alongside other esteemed artists such as Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes and Astral Project. With over 300 performances scheduled across 21 music stages during the festival, French Quarter Fest 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of New Orleans’ vibrant music scene.
The Esplanade in the Shade Stage will offer programming Friday through Sunday, with musicians from Loyola performing four sets throughout the weekend:
– Friday, April 12, from 12:20-1:35 p.m. –
Loyola Alternative Set, with Kissing Disease; D.P.M Javi, featuring Ben Delgado; and, Planet of Little Green Men
– Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. –
Loyola University Contemporary Ensembles
– Saturday, April 13, from 12:35 to 1:55 p.m. –
Jazz/R&B Set, with Read the Room featuring Rene, Aaniyah and Noa Jamir
– Sunday, April 14, from 12:20 to 1:35 p.m. –
Loyola Hip Hop Set, with Dami, Abstract and flow mvnny; and, DJs Sleepyhead and Deven
“This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for talented Loyola students to showcase their musical prowess on one of the world’s most renowned festival stages,” stated Jonathan McHugh, the Hilton-Baldridge Eminent Scholar/Chair in Music Industry Studies at Loyola. Additionally, the festival provides employment opportunities for Loyola students to work behind the scenes, gaining valuable experience in event production and management.
“Our goal is to provide our students with unparalleled opportunities to perform and learn the intricacies of organizing a festival of this magnitude,” remarked McHugh. “New Orleans is undeniably the heart of live music, and it’s imperative that our students have the chance to immerse themselves in its vibrant culture.”
The partnership between Loyola and the French Quarter Festival was cultivated by McHugh and Kate Duncan, Director of the School of Music and Theatre Professions and the Conrad N. Hilton Chair in Music Industry. Their collaboration with Emily Madero, president and CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc., has led to the expansion of this impactful collaboration, showcasing the world-class talent nurtured within Loyola’s music program.
“We’re thrilled to showcase Loyola’s exceptional talent on our festival stage and provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for students to contribute to the production and promotion of the French Quarter Festival,” stated Madero.
Duncan expressed her enthusiasm for working alongside esteemed community partners like the French Quarter Fest, emphasizing the invaluable learning experiences provided to Loyola students.
“This collaboration offers students real-world, hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to embark on their professional journeys while still in college,” Duncan explained. “Students gain insight into the multifaceted aspects of event production and the collaborative nature of bringing creative ideas to life.”
For more information about Loyola University’s College of Music and Media, visit the website.
