Brass bands and gumbo have been the central pairing of one of New Orleans’ most beloved festivals for a decade. The Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival returns November 18 and 19 for its tenth rendition, which features an expanded lineup to include cooking demonstrations. Dubbed the first annual “gumbosium,” it will include panel discussions about all things gumbo – all the ways to make a roux, for example. According to Jazz & Heritage Foundation, 2017’s Fest will also include “thought-provoking discussions about what gumbo is, what it isn’t, and who does it best,” adding “[a]s we learned last year, the only thing New Orleans folks like more than brass bands is a good debate about gumbo.”
That signature Louisiana dish will be the main event for the gastrophiles. 14 food vendors will offer up individual takes on gumbo, including friendly options for vegans, vegetarians, and kids. Food vendor applications are being accepted through Sept. 14. See here to apply.
Of course, attendees can expect to hear a ton of great live music, too. The world-famous, Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band will headline the festival. They’ll be joined by many of your favorites, including the Hot 8, the To Be Continued, the Pinettes, the Original Pinstripe and many more. Also this year, don’t miss a great band making its first appearance on our stage: Trumpet Mafia. The full performance schedule is as follows:
Saturday, Nov. 18
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuba Skinny
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tremé Brass Band
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Original Pinstripe Brass Band
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Free Agents Brass Band
6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To Be Continued (TBC) Brass Band
Sunday, Nov. 19
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. LPO Brass Ensemble
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pinettes Brass Band
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hot 8 Brass Band
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Trumpet Mafia
6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rebirth Brass Band
As in years past, the Festival will include a vibrant Arts Market featuring dozens of local artist showcasing everything from home furnishings to fine art. Applications for Arts Market vendors are being accepted through Sept. 14. See here to apply. Furthermore, there will be fully supervised activities for children, with with local artists leading interactive and creative workshops for young people.
On Saturday, Nov. 18, free parking is available in the parking lots of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Enter via Basin Street. On Sunday, Nov. 19, parking is available for $15 per vehicle (cash only) at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre, and for $10 per vehicle (credit cards accepted) at Basin Street Station (501 Basin Street).
The 2017 Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival takes place Saturday, Nov. 18, and Sunday, Nov., 19, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. both days in Louis Armstrong Park. Admission is free (donations encouraged), but please remember that no outside food, beverages or pets are allowed.
The gumbosium schedule, with panel discussions and cooking demonstrations, will be announced soon.
