Guide to Satchmo SummerFest
Experience the premier jazz festival dedicated to the life and music of New Orleans' Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong.
Take part in New Orleans' rich musical heritage at the annual Satchmo SummerFest, a multi-day jazz festival celebrating the life of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. With seminars, art displays, live performances and lots of locally made beer and cuisine, festival-goers are sure to get a taste of New Orleans' vibrant culture.
What to know:
Who is Louis Armstrong? Louis Armstrong hit his stride in the 1920s as an inventive trumpet and cornet player. His style of music was influential in the jazz genre by inserting solo performances into the collective improvisational music. Armstrong’s recognizable gravelly voice also made him an influential singer, who also enjoyed scat singing (vocalizing using sounds and syllables instead of actual lyrics). Armstrong’s career ended in the 1960s as a famed, popular and highly influential musician who continues to leave his imprint on the world of jazz. Learn more about Louisiana’s jazz history.
About the Festival:
Music: Experience live music all weekend featuring traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, brass bands and children's programming across multiple stages. From up-and-coming artists, to festival veterans who have taken the stage for years, to Grammy-nominated (and winning) acts - you'll get a taste of all musical the talent Louisiana has to offer. View the full music lineup.
Special Events: Get a deeper appreciation for the festival with a visit to the Satchmo Legacy Stage - which features a variety of national and international speakers, including jazz scholars, people who knew and worked with Louis Armstrong, historians, Armstrong House Museum faculty, and musicians. Past presentations have included discussions, live music, and film clips about New Orleans Jazz and the life and music of Louis Armstrong. View the seminar options.
Food and Drink: No New Orleans party would be complete without amazing Louisiana fare. Abita Brewing serves up the Official Beer of Satchmo Summerfest. Try out some of the fabulous cuisine and dishes that Louis Armstrong loved, plus dishes from local vendors. View the food vendors.
