Recently named the “best thing to do in Louisiana this summer” by MSN, Satchmo SummerFest is a celebration of New Orleans jazz music with an emphasis on the legacy on Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. There will be traditional and contemporary jazz performances, as well as an expansive lineup of speakers, chefs and kids activities.

The long-awaited Satchmo SummerFest has had some changes to its programming schedule. The main update is an addition to the musical lineup called Satchmo Sound-Off. It is an energetic, musical salute to Louis Armstrong featuring Roots of Music and Edna Karr’s Marching Cougars. This new addition to the schedule that will take place on Friday and Saturday mornings from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Esplanade Avenue on neutral ground.

Gwen Thompkins has also joined the lineup of speakers and discussions on the Satchmo Legacy Stage. Thompkins is a contributor on NPR and the host of WWNO’s Music Inside Out. At the festival, she will explore the relationship between Armstrong and fellow New Orleans jazz musician, Danny Barker.

Though not part of the official festival, attendees will also be able to explore the Fess Exhibition, a celebration of the life and career of Professor Longhair at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Satchmo SummerFest is also going green this year, in a program that will allow attendees to recycle plastic, cans and cardboard. This year, guests will be able to not only enjoy music, but also do their part in helping the planet.

The rest of the schedule for Satchmo SummerFest can be found here. General admission is $5 and free for children 12 and under. Profits benefit local musicians and help pay for the event.