Cancelled last year for the pandemic, Satchmo Summerfest made an abbreviated return with 2 days of music and food celebrating New Orleans native, Louis Armstrong’s birthday. The heat was extraordinary, dangerous even, as The Roots Of Music started things off with a concert outside the Old U.S. Mint, home of the New Orleans Jazz Museum where you can find Armstrong’s first coronet.
Grammy Award-winning snare drummer of Rebirth Brass Band, Derrick Tabb, co-founded The Roots Of Music non-profit program providing hundreds of at-risk youths (8-14 years old) with instruments, education, tutoring, meals and a ride home. The band is a wonderful reminder of the importance of keeping the city’s traditions and culture alive.
Robin Barnes & the Fiyabirds were playing to a relaxed crowd under a shady tent when we scoped out our first meal. Trash bins were labeled for separation and all serving dishes and flatware for the event was 100% compostable. 14 Parishes provided our Jerk Chicken ($9), and Theaudric’s Real Clever Cuisine served a Vegan Fried Sprout of Brussels and Potatoes (with Truffle Fig Glaze) ($10). The tender Brussel sprouts in caramelized glaze made this dish the weekend’s winner.
I’ve truly missed seeing The Original Pinettes Brass Band perform so I was thrilled when they took the Esplanade Stage. The first female brass band, I love their funky mix of standards and originals. It felt great to dance again and to watch others dancing joyously.
In the next post – the festival continued through Sunday with Treme Brass Band, Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns, Hot 8 Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, and more good food!
Satchmo Summerfest 
The Roots of Music 
L.A. to N.O.LA 