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NEW ORLEANS – [July 30, 2024] – Satchmo SummerFest presented by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) returns for its 24th year on August 3 and 4 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. The festival is dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans' native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, and brings more than two dozen musical performances, seven food vendors, and special events to the community for FREE! Everyone is invited to the annual celebration, which includes the Satchmo Sound-Off with the Roots of Music on Saturday and Sunday’s Jazz Mass at St. Augustine Church, immediately followed by the Satchmo Salute Parade and more. Gates are open from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
“We are thrilled to bring the 2024 Satchmo SummerFest to life with an incredible lineup of uniquely New Orleans experiences,” said Emily Madero, President & CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. “This festival is a true celebration of Louis Armstrong’s legacy and the vibrant culture of New Orleans. As we celebrate this year on Satchmo’s birthday, we’re energized to produce an event that would make Armstrong proud, featuring world-class talent, delicious food, opportunities to discover and explore history, and the pure joy of our community coming together to celebrate.”
This year's festival proudly introduces a new partnership with PosiGen Solar and Energy Efficiency. The new PosiGen Solar Stage will host musical performances including Preservation Brass, George Brown Band, and Al “Lil Fats” Jackson.
“Our continued partnership with FQFI is paramount for PosiGen as we support local efforts that uplift the vibrant culture and economic well-being of our community," said John "JR" Ross, PosiGen General Manager of Growth and Strategy. "We’re looking forward to being on the ground at Satchmo SummerFest to engage with many of our current and potential customers who attend this annual festival celebrating Louis Armstrong.”
Savor the Sounds and Tastes of New Orleans
The 2024 festival boasts a diverse lineup of 30 musical acts, spanning traditional jazz, swing, brass and marching bands, funk, R&B, jazz fusion, and more, all showcased across two tented stages—the Fidelity Bank Stage and the new PosiGen Solar Stage. Kicking off the weekend is the electrifying Satchmo Soundoff, featuring the city's youngest and most talented musicians, The Roots of Music, performing Saturday at 11:30 AM, under the Fidelity Bank Stage tent on the Barracks Street Side of the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Highlight performances include The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Catherine Russell, and John Boutte', as well as debut sets from Brass-A-Holics with Flagboy Giz, NOJO 7 featuring Phillip Manuel, Detroit Brooks, with a special appearance by Charmaine Neville, and Big Chief Donald Harrison with the ICONS featuring Choppa, BlaqNmilD, and Tonya Boyd-Cannon.
The taste of New Orleans doesn’t stop on stage. This year, seven local vendors will provide varying culinary selections for everyone. In addition to 14 Parishes’ Caribbean flavors, Cafe Dauphine’s soul food, Fresh Fruit Sensations' refreshing salad options, Plum St. Snoballs’ icy treats and Southerns’ fried favorites, new vendors have been added! Mrs. Wheat’s Pies will be onsite with their cajun meat and seafood pies with jambalaya added to the mix. Nori Guys will also serve a fusion of comfort and seafood with their crab and shrimp wonton nachos and shrimp, chicken, and tofu hibachi plates.
Full Music Schedule | Full Food and Beverage Menu
Keeping it Cool with Indoor Activities
New Orleans' hot summers won't be a problem for Satchmo SummerFest attendees, thanks to Chill at the Fest powered by Entergy New Orleans, featuring misting fans and free neck chillers. Guests can also enjoy the museum's air-conditioned halls, additional music, and history on the second and third floors. The returning New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Piano Sessions on the second floor will feature performances from some of the city’s finest piano players, including The Victor Campbell Duo and Capt. John Royen.
On the third floor, the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry offers ten insightful presentations by Satchmo scholars and historians from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day. These presentations provide enriching insight into Armstrong's life and times and those inspired by him.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint will launch a new exhibition, It All Started in Jane Alley: Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, which will open on August 1 in conjunction with Satchmo SummerFest. Louis Armstrong, synonymous with New Orleans, learned invaluable life lessons during his years here—about music, people, racism, food, and life. When he left in 1922 to conquer the world, he carried New Orleans' values with him, always reflecting on his beloved hometown. It All Started in Jane Alley: Louis Armstrong in New Orleans explores Armstrong’s formative years in New Orleans and his return visits. The exhibit showcases how New Orleans shaped Armstrong through photos, artifacts, and writings, including the cornet he played at the Colored Waifs’ Home. This new exhibit complements an ongoing showcase of From Congo Square to the World: Early Jazz In New Orleans and will be free for festival attendees on Saturday and Sunday.
For a sensory break in a cool and quiet area, Benny's Sensory Activation Vehicle, courtesy of the Beignet Fest Foundation, makes events more inclusive for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities often associated with autism and other conditions. The fully equipped tow-along trailer provides a safe space for decompression for those who need a pause from the sights and sounds of the day's events.
Full Speaker Lineup | Exhibition Information
Sunday’s Spirit
After Saturday’s sound-off, live performances, and discussion series, Sunday begins at 10:00 AM with the traditional Jazz Mass at the historic St. Augustine Church. The Treme Brass Band will share a spirited performance, then lead the Satchmo Salute Parade presented by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) immediately following services. Participating organizations include the Treme Million Dollar Baby Dolls, the Zulu Steppers, the Sporty Brass Band and more! The second-line parade will embody the festive spirit of New Orleans and guide music lovers to the New Orleans Jazz Museum for day two of Satchmo’s birthday celebration.
Eco-Friendly Festivities
FQFI’s Geauxing Green initiative will return for the fourth year to promote responsible waste management and other sustainability practices at Satchmo SummerFest. In 2023, the Geauxing Green program diverted an impressive 56% of waste from landfills, further establishing FQFI as a regional leader in event sustainability. The Festival’s Green Team will help attendees make informed choices and actively contribute to the event's sustainability goals. FQFI is happy to announce that the RosaMary Foundation has committed to supporting Geauxing Green through 2026 to help reduce the overall environmental impact of FQFI’s important cultural events. Additional funding for Geauxing Green is provided by the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund under Councilmembers JP Morrell and Freddie King III.
Official Festival Merchandise
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