2023 Satchmo SummerFest returns as free festival, adds new ‘Chill Zone’

NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - Satchmo SummerFest, the annual festival dedicated to the life, legacy and music of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, returns to the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6.

Organizers also announced that Satchmo SummerFest will not charge an admission fee for the first time in nearly a decade, due to a new partnership with New Orleans & Company.

“We’re proud to host Louisiana’s only annual event dedicated to the music, life, and legacy of Louis Armstrong and we’re excited to make the performances, lectures, and Jazz Museum exhibits available for all audiences,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.

Festival organizers also announced some additions to this year’s event, including a new Chill Zone, complimentary neck chillers, and misting fans throughout the festival site. This year also debuts the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Piano Sessions, providing guests with the opportunity to cool off and enjoy intimate performances from some of the city’s best piano talent while enjoying the art on exhibit in the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

The 2023 festival lineup includes 30 musical acts ranging from traditional jazz to swing, brass and marching bands, funk and R&B-jazz fusion music genres.

Two-tented outdoor stages will include debut performances from Cuban Born musician Yusa, Tuba Skinny, and first-time collaborations from TBC Brass Band featuring HaSizzle, and Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra featuring Corey Henry and Tonya Boyd-Cannon and 79rs Gang. Weekend performances also include music from Jeremy Davenport, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Doyle Cooper Jazz Band and more. See the full music schedule here.

Along with the music, the fest features New Orleans cuisine from some of the city’s popular restaurants and up-and-coming chefs including festival debut Southerns and returning vendors Beaucoup Eats, 14 Parishes, Ditto’s Did Dat, Café Dauphine, Theaudric’s Real Clever Cuisine and Plum Street Snoballs.

The festival also includes scholars and historians presenting on a wide range of topics surrounding all things Louis Armstrong, including Grammy Award winner Ricky Riccardi.

Satchmo SummerFest runs from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit the website.