The French Quarter’s Satchmo Summerfest celebrates New Orleans native, Louis Armstrong’s birthday. The free 2-day celebration with live music and local food, takes place in the French Quarter at the Old U.S. Mint – home to the New Orleans Jazz Museum where you can find Armstrong’s first coronet. The heat has been extreme for weeks. I believe the heat index Saturday was 117 degrees, but we were looking forward to finally being out and about.
When we arrived, the 79ers Gang were playing on the Barrack’s Street Stage to a mostly seated crowd under an ample tent. A couple of guys danced near the stage and the flower-covered Jennifer Jones joined for a while.
On the Esplanade Stage, Sporty’s Brass Band had many in the crowd on their feet dancing energetically to funky versions of local favorites. I admit I couldn’t help but join in. The temperatures have been so oppressive that we’ve been inside for weeks – and I love to dance.
Despite the sweltering heat and humidity and White Linen Night competing for attention, plenty of people turned out to enjoy the brass music and food booths.
We enjoyed 14 Parishes’ simple plate of Rice & Peas ($8), but the Fruit Bliss ($8) selection of fresh watermelon, grapes, kiwi and more from Beaucoup Eats hit just right. Definitely getting that one again Sunday. In an effort at sustainability, trash bins at the fest are labeled for separation and all serving dishes and flatware for the event is 100% compostable.
The dashiki-clad Delfeayo Marsalis & UJO were next up on the Barrack’s Street Stage. A few tunes into their set, they were joined by special guests including Corey Henry on trombone. The crowd went fairly wild when he made his way across the stage and lifted his oversized horn to the mic. I first saw mega-talented Corey when he was a member of Rebirth Brass Band – who happened to be playing on the other side of the building.
Once again, the Esplanade Stage crowd was having a rowdier – and sweatier – party. Young people led the festivities but at least 3 generations joined the gyrations as Rebirth played popular standards and originals. New Orleans has many faults but I truly love the way we come together to celebrate.
In the next post – Sunday’s festivities include the Original Pinettes Brass Band!
L.A. to N.O.LA 
I’d missed seeing your always readable posts on the city. Good to have you back!
Thanks! Yes, been too busy to blog. Often too busy to attend things to blog about! And due to a family emergency, I wasn’t able to attend day 2 of Satchmo. Bummer. The good news is I’m hard at work on another book project – a 2-book series.