What: A celebration of the Jazz of New Orleans native, Louis Armstrong, the irrepressible trumpeter who carried Satchmo as one of several widely-used nicknames. Most events are free to the public. There's music of course on several stages.
Where and when: The Satchmo Summerfest is in the French Quarter. The music stages for 2007 have moved from their traditional spot behind the Old U.S. Mint, upriver in French Market Place on Decatur between Ursulines and Barracks Streets. In 2007 the festival is August 2-5.
Fun for the kids: Louis Armstrong was a small boy when he first held a trumpet, so the kids are included in the festival. There are special events, like a popular one with kids, with music and participatory dance and drumming events to help youngsters join the excitement themselves.
Strut your stuff : On the night of Friday, guests purchase armbands for admission to all the participating clubs, and walk - or, that is, strut - from one to the next while marching brass bands and the city’s permissive open-container policy keep the upbeat party atmosphere going outside.
Of course there's food: Louis Armstrong often ended his letters and notes with "Red beans and ricely yours," refering to one of New Orleans famous dishes, the Monday favorite, red beans and rice. In keeping with that theme, Red Bean Alley, has been set up near the stages where vending booths from local restaurants will be serving up portions of red beans and rice, along with jambalaya, crawfish cakes, gumbo and other local dishes. Some restaurants also have related menus.
Related events: The festival moves across Rampart Street to the historic Treme neighborhood on Sunday, for a rousing jazz mass at St. Augustine church (1210 Gov. Nicholls St., 504-525-5934). Immediately following the music-inspired service, visitors are invited to join a traditional New Orleans second line street parade departing from the church to wind its way through the neighborhood and back to the French Quarter.
Website: For a complete schedule of events, plus a photo gallery and video clips from last year's festival, check out the event's Web site at Satchmo summerfest.
