When asked to describe his band’s style of music, Louis Armstrong once said, “what we play is life.” Anyone who has heard the goofy-grinned legend play some tunes can attest to the accuracy of such a description. From his brassy trumpeting to his signature scat singing, Louis Armstrong brought songs to life. With a riot of a stage personality to match, Pops could bring down the house.
Even now, 40 years after the icon’s death, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s legacy is alive and well, especially in New Orleans. It’s commonplace to hear a trumpeter laying down a jazzy beat in Jackson Square or to hear Satchmo’s own gravelly voice from a restaurant’s speaker. Where better to celebrate Louis’ birthday than in The Big Easy, his hometown and collective biggest fan?
From August 1-3, NOLA is pulling out all the stops for the 14th annual Satchmo SummerFest, a free jazz festival dedicated to Louis Armstrong’s life, legacy, and music. Throughout the three days, guests will have the opportunity to experience the New Orleans jazz culture that Louis played such a large role in founding.
Exhibits and seminars hosted by the Louisiana State Museum in the Old U.S. Mint give visitors an insight into just how influential Louis’ music really was. Learn about Satchmo’s influence on modernism with Duke University professor Thomas Brothers or about the role of Louis’ music in defining a post-Katrina New Orleans with award-winning music writer John Swenson at the “In New Orleans, Pops is Still the Man” seminar. Take a stroll through the “Keeping Time: Extraordinary Images from Louisiana’s Musical Past” exhibit, courtesy of the museum, to see snapshots of Pops in action and his famous trumpets, alongside instruments that belonged to other jazz legends like Fats Domino and Sidney Betchet.
Pops first began blowing on the trumpet when he was just a little boy. So, to get today’s kids feeling the music as well, the museum set up “Pop’s Playhouse for Kids.” Here, kids of all ages (that means you can grab a glue stick too, Mom) can make handmade instruments and decorate those signature second line umbrellas. With your decked-out umbrella in tow, parade over to the Satchmo Book Nook hosted by the Public Library to read all about Louis’ adventures in New Orleans and to soak up some A/C (which, in the August heat, is going to be a godsend, trust us).
Learning about jazz is great and all, but you don’t really know the music until you hear it. Luckily, stages are set up all around the French Quarter so you can do just that. The cream of the jazz crop will be playing around the clock, keeping the party going all weekend long. Catch the stars of today’s jazz world like Kermit Ruffins, Wycliffe Gordon, and Glen David Andrews as well as debut band performances, including the highly anticipated Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Dust off those two left feet, because NOLA Jitterbugs and Dancing Man 504 will be hosting free dance classes. You’ll be “axel turning” and “chassé-ing” in no time!
If all that grooving makes you work up an appetite, take a trip to “Red Bean Alley” for some traditional Nawlins fare, like jambalaya, gumbo, and a special cucumber salad (so the vegetarian can take part in the fun too!). The star of the show, however, will be Pops’ favorite dish, red beans and rice.
The festival comes to an end in true New Orleans style with a traditional second line parade throughout the French Quarter. Follow the blaring trumpets and jazzy dancers through the streets to the party celebrating Satchmos’ birthday. Get your fill of red beans and rice and dance to live jazz music all night long. After all, what better way is there to get to know Louis Armstrong, the King of New Orleans himself?
For more information: http://fqfi.org/satchmo