Satchmo SummerFest has revealed that it will move to Jackson Square for its 2016 edition. Slated for August 5-7, the event will once again feature an array of local artists and educational actvities, as well as unique undertakings like the Trumpet Tribute and Birthday Party for Louis Armstrong.

The relocation is designed to grow the annual festival, which attracts an average of 40,000 attendees each year. Since its inception in 2001, Satchmo SummerFest has celebrated Armstrong’s birthday in and around the Old U.S. Mint. However, the old location is no longer large enough to accommodate the festivities.

Treme Brass Band leads a second line at the 2011 Satchmo Summerfest. Photo by Pompo Bresciani.

“As we celebrate the Festival’s 16th anniversary – and Louis Armstrong’s 116th birthday – we are thrilled to move into New Orleans’ most beautiful, iconic park. Like Louis Armstrong, Jackson Square is beloved and integral to New Orleans history and culture. The new location, along with our incredible symposium panelists, traditional jazz musicians, great restaurants, and special events will make this year’s event incredibly memorable, historic, and high profile,” said Marci Schramm, Executive Director of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.

This year’s lineup includes Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Kermit Ruffins, Brass-a-holics, Catherine Russell (debut), Yoshio Toyama and the Dixie Saints, Jeremy Davenport, Trumpet Tribute to Louis Armstrong feat. James Andrews, Victor Goines (debut), Wendell Brunious and many more. Take a look at the full lineup via the festival’s website.

Music will take place on three different stages. The main attractions will perform on the “Red Beans and Ricely Yours Stage” and the “Cornet Chop Suey Stage” in Jackson Square. The new “Back o’ Town Stage”–located inside the air-conditioned Louisiana State Museum Arsenal–will feature a dance floor, the NOLA Jitterbugs and live dance music on Saturday and Sunday.

There will also be a variety of educational activities, including the three-day Satchmo Symposium. Located in Le Petit Theatre, this year’s symposium will showcase panels and talks like “Celebrating 100 years of Pulitzer – From New Orleans to the World Stage: The Artistic Journeys of Louis Armstrong and Wynton Marsalis,” “From Satchmo’s Knee to a Grammy” with Catherine Russell, and “A Conversation with Jack Bradley.”

In addition, this year will see the return of the “Spirit of Satch” Awards. Winners will be announced during the festival’s opening ceremony on Friday, August 5.

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