French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), producer of Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron, is excited for the festival’s return on August 6 & 7 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. The premier American festival dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong brings two days of live entertainment, food, and fun. From the Saturday morning Soundoff with the Roots of Music to Sunday’s Jazz Mass and the return of the Satchmo Salute Parade, Satchmo SummerFest is back to its full glory from 12-8pm, each day.
Celebrating 22 years of this beloved event, Fest producers remain committed to preserving and highlighting music traditions of the past that were integral in putting New Orleans on the global map while showcasing local musicians of the present who share the same traditions. “We are fortunate to have legends in the jazz world performing and speaking on our stages,” says Emily Madero, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. President & CEO. “You can see Lawrence Cotton, who at the age of 95 is still amazing to hear live, as well as Jewel Brown, who actually performed with Armstrong in the 60s. We are also lucky to live in a community that continues to birth amazing talent that embraces and keeps the legacy, cultures, and unique traditions of New Orleans alive. Satchmo SummerFest is the perfect place for music lovers, families, and friends to gather and enjoy a little of what makes this city so special.”
“Louis Armstrong once said, ‘What we play is life’ so we see this festival as a celebration of life,” said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “First and foremost, we’re celebrating the life of Louis Armstrong and his enduring legacy. We’re also celebrating life in New Orleans and the music of our city. Jazz – and the Arts in general – encourage diversity, stimulate economic growth, and fuel the social vitality of our community. Chevron is proud to be a part of Satchmo Summerfest and invites everyone to join us!”
Fest attendees can pre-purchase tickets online in advance for $7 or onsite for $10 per day (children 12 and under are free). Admission also provides access to the Jazz Museum’s collection and exhibitions, plus the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry featuring discussions and presentations by world-renowned Armstrong scholars. Fans are encouraged to register here in advance to secure their spot and avoid lines.
Live Music Performances and Discussions with Satchmo Scholars
The 2022 festival lineup includes 20 musical acts ranging from traditional jazz to swing, brass and marching bands, funk, R&B, jazz fusion, and more performing on two tented stages. The weekend kicks-off with the Satchmo Soundoff, a special performance by some of the city’s youngest and most talented musicians, The Roots of Music, Saturday at 11:30am on Esplanade Avenue, right outside of the Museum gates. Weekend performances on this stage include John Boutté, Germaine Bazzle, Big 6 Brass Band, and a return performance by 95 year-old pianist and musical legend, Lawrence Cotton Legendary Experience on the Fidelity Bank Stage. The Nayo Jones Experience, Herlin Riley, Secret Six Jazz Band, and seven additional acts will keep fans dancing through the evening on the GE Stage.
A very special performance in this year’s lineup will come from Players Ella & Louie Tribute Band featuring Jewel Brown on Saturday. “I’ve always loved performing in New Orleans. It’s such a beautiful, loving city. It’s such an honor to perform at Satchmo SummerFest and a delight to keep good music going,” says Brown, who was a female vocalist with Armstrong’s All-Stars from 1961-1968. “I performed with Louis (we affectionately called him Pops) for eight years and it was a fantastic time with a well-run organization. I am highly thankful for that time and appreciate all the loving people that supported me. I can’t wait to take the stage…Keep A Kool Booty!” The talented singer, who releases her next album on August 5, shares that when offered the opportunity to work with Duke Ellington or Louis Armstrong, it was an easy decision, and one that offered a chance to travel the world and an opportunity to work closely with a small group of famous musicians.
In addition to Brown’s live music performance, she will also sit down for a 45-minute interview with GRAMMY® Award winner Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives and the author of What a Wonderful World. Fans have the chance to learn about her time on the road with Satchmo and her career that spans more than sixty years. Enthusiasts and novices can dive deep into the life and legacy of Armstrong and learn of his humble beginnings and tenacity from 1-5pm each day of Fest or tune into interviews and discussions via YouTube and Facebook livestream. View the full music & speaker lineup here.
A Sunday Salute!
This year’s Festival returns with its favorite traditions for the whole family. Satchmo SummerFest Jazz Mass at St. Augustine Church will begin at 10am where attendees can also enjoy a spirited performance by Treme Brass Band. Due to ongoing renovations at St. Augustine Church, mass will be held in the Parish Hall. Please note that space and seating is limited. The mass will be livestreamed on Facebook.com/saintaugchurch.
Immediately following mass, fans can jump right into The Satchmo Salute Parade on Gov. Nicholls Street that dances through the Treme neighborhood, makes a stop to Salute Satchmo at Armstrong Park and ends at the festival gates at the New Orleans Jazz Museum in the 400 block of Esplanade Avenue. The parade, led by Al Carnival Time Johnson, features over a dozen Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs as well as brass bands including, Shaka Zulu on Stilts, The Original Black Seminole Baby Dolls, Sporty Brass Band, Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club’s Grand Marshall and 2022 King and Queen, Fi Yi Yi and more.
A Taste of New Orleans
The 2022 Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron features a great lineup of mouth-watering dishes and treats for all. Indulge a little more with gluten-free and vegetarian options from debut restaurant Beaucoup Eats with the Vegan Fish Po-Boy and Red Beans & Rice (Satchmo’s Favorite dish) or 14 Parishes, who returns with Plantains and Festival (Jamaican Fried Dough!) as well as their famous Jerk Chicken. Ditto’s Did Dat also joins the Fest for the first time with a trio of tacos, including a Shrimp and Grilled Chicken option. Enjoy a bite from Café Dauphine who will serve Cajun Seafood Rolls and Fried Ribs or try a fusion of flavors with a NOLA twist from Theaudric’s Real Clever Cuisine with the Charbroiled Jerk Chicken with Dirty Lamborgini Fried Rice and Creme Bru’leches Breadpudding. Praline Connection serves up scrumptious eats including Chicken Livers (sauteed with Red & Green Peppers, Onions, Zucchini, & Squash & served w/Pepper jelly), Collard Greens and more. For those looking to cool off, Fest fave Plum Street Snoballs returns with their traditional flavors and add-on options to personalize your sweet treat, or take a healthier approach with sugar-free flavors.
This year’s cocktail menu includes favorites such as the Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Lemonade, El Jimador Tequila Margarita and Bubly Sea Breeze (Bubly, Cranberry, Finlandia Vodka + Lime). Fans can relax with a seat and some shade at the Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé Café and our beer lovers will find many options from Abita Beer including, for the first time at Fest, Hard Sweet Tea chilled and ready. Non-alcoholic options will also be available including Pepsi, Bubly and Gatorade to keep hydrated. Click here to see the complete menus.
