French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) and the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) announced the return of Satchmo SummerFest, an annual festival celebrating the life, legacy and music of New Orleans’ native, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. This year’s festival will take place on August 3 and 4 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. From 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, festival-goers can immerse themselves in a celebration of jazz, food and culture. Thanks to the support from New Orleans & Company, the festival is free for all attendees.

Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as “Satchmo,” is a cornerstone of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage. Armstrong’s groundbreaking contributions to jazz have left an indelible mark on the world of music, making him a global cultural icon. The Satchmo SummerFest honors his legacy through a diverse array of performances, discussions and culinary delights.

Now in its 24th year, Satchmo SummerFest continues to celebrate the spirit of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz and
the genre’s evolution. This year’s festival will feature over two dozen musical acts, including traditional jazz, brass and marching bands, funk, R&B, and jazz fusion.

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Piano Sessions return with intimate performances by renowned pianists like Mari Watanabe, accompanied by trumpeter Kevin Louis. Festival attendees can also enjoy performances on two outdoor stages: the Fidelity Bank Stage and the PosiGen Solar Stage. Highlights include performances by NOJO 7 featuring Phillip Manuel, Brass-A-Holics with Flagboy Giz, Rickie Monie & Jamil Sharif, Steve Lands and Kosmi(k)rewe, Detroit Brooks, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Chief Donald Harrison with the ICONS featuring Choppa, BlaqNmilD, and Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Catherine Russell, The Nayo Jones Experience, Kermit Ruffins and more.

“We are excited to welcome an incredible lineup of musical acts, engaging indoor piano sessions, and diverse culinary
selections at this year’s Satchmo SummerFest,” said Emily Madero, President & CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
“We are proud to host renowned experts like Regina Bain, who will discuss the newly opened Armstrong Center with the
largest archives of any jazz musician. Our incredible lineup of jazz legends and performance debuts will highlight
Satchmo’s legacy of musical passion and innovation and provide something for everyone in the family to enjoy.”

On the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry, scholars and historians will present a wide range of topics related to Louis Armstrong and his musical legacy. Notable sessions include a conversation with Roger Lewis, founding member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and David Kunian, the New Orleans Jazz Museum Curator, as well as a discussion on “Back O’ Town Blues” with Paul Kahn and Catherine Russell.

Satchmo SummerFest is not just a feast for the ears but also for the taste buds. This year’s festival will feature a range of culinary delights from some of New Orleans’ most beloved eateries. Attendees can savor Caribbean flavors from 14 Parishes, enjoy cajun seafood egg rolls from Cafe Dauphine, and cool off with refreshing snoballs from Plum St. Snoballs. Southerns returns with their popular fried chicken and fish sandwiches, and guests can relax at the Folgers Café with a beverage from Jack Daniels, Abita Beer, or Pepsi.

The 24th annual Satchmo SummerFest includes a variety of activities for the whole family:

• Roots of Music Satchmo Soundoff presented by Fidelity Bank: A special performance by young musicians kicks off the festival on Saturday at 11:30 AM on Esplanade Ave.
• Chill at the Fest, Powered by Entergy: Enjoy complimentary neck chillers and misting fans throughout the festival site.
• Satchmo SummerFest Jazz Mass: Held at St. Augustine Church on Sunday at 10 AM, featuring a performance by the Treme Brass Band.
• Satchmo Salute Parade presented by New Orleans Tourism & Cultural Fund (NOTCF): A Second-Line Parade on Sunday at 11:15 AM, leading from St. Augustine Church through the French Quarter to the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

FQFI’s Geauxing Green initiative returns to promote sustainability, with a goal of reducing waste and encouraging eco-friendly practices. Last year, the program successfully diverted 56% of waste from landfills. This year, festival attendees can contribute to sustainability efforts with the help of the festival’s Green Team and support from the RosaMary Foundation and the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund.

This year, Satchmo SummerFest introduces a line of bags made from recycled festival banners. Created by local company Tchoup Industries, these limited-edition items will be available for purchase at the festival’s merchandise booth, offering attendees a unique and eco-friendly souvenir.

Satchmo SummerFest is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through cultural events that showcase the city’s unique heritage. For more information on FQFI festivals and events, visit www.fqfi.org.