Red River Scrapbook
8th Annual Free Satchmo Summerfest set July 31-August 3 in New Orleans
By media release
Jul 28, 2008

New Orleans, LA (July 17, 2008) – Come out and play at Satchmo SummerFest, the premier American jazz festival dedicated to the life, music and legacy of New Orleans’ native son Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong.  Satchmo SummerFest takes place July 31-August 3, 2008, at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint and is a free public festival.

This free weekend of fun is a perfect event for budget-conscious travelers. This summer, visitors who book a hotel room though http://www.neworleansonline.com/ will get a $50 refund when spending $150 or more.

Four stages of music on the grounds of the Mint will include traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, brass bands, and the long-awaited return of the children’s stage, with family activities.  Musical performers include Dr. Michael White, Connie Jones, Crescent City Jazz Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Kermit Ruffins, Chris Clifton, Rebirth Brass Band, Tim Laughlin, Soul Rebels, Leah Chase, Treme Brass Band and many more.

"Satchmo Summerfest was created to draw visitors to the French Quarter during August, a time when the local shops, restaurants, attractions, and hotels need patrons most," Sandra Shilstone, president and CEO of NOTMC said.  "This free festival attracts families, cultural travelers, music lovers and foodies."

Food booths and vendor tents featuring local art and wares line the lawn of the Old U.S. Mint. Inside the Mint, an impressive array of speakers will present seminars, discussions, music, and movies.  During Satchmo SummerFest a host of speakers, including Satchmo SummerFest keynote speaker and recording industry icon, George Avakian, will be featured. An annual participant, Avakian was Armstrong's producer and friend.

New Orleans native Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) helped introduce the world to jazz and was known for his improvised soloing on his flashy trumpet.  Toward the end of his career, he was best known as a vocalist and became one of the most influential jazz singers of his time.  Satchmo SummerFest coincides with Armstrong’s actual birthday, August 4, 1901.

For more information on Satchmo SummerFest, call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org.  The event is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., a non-profit organization supported by the city.  F.Q.F.I produces three major annual events that have a combined projected economic impact in excess of $100 million.