Satchmo SummerFest rolls through ‘Nawlins

Say happy birthday to one of Louisiana’s greatest native sons this month at the Satchmo SummerFest, which will roll through New Orleans from Aug 4-7.

Taking place in the historically beautiful French Quarter, the festival coincides with the Aug. 4 birthday of Armstrong, who changed the face of jazz music worldwide throughout his 69-year life with his strong, piercing notes that tapped the feet of our nation’s music-goers for several decades.

To honor the life of a musician this revolutionary in one weekend is quite a task.

The lineup the Satchmo SummerFest will roll out just may be up to the challenge.

Two musical stages will be set up at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint.

Performing throughout the weekend will be acts like Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Leroy Jones, Tim Laughlin and Connie Jones, the Hot 8 Brass Band, Preservation Hall Allstars and Yoshio Toyama and the Dixie Saints.

While these smooth musicians are doing their thing on the stage, free dance lessons are offered by the NOLA Jitterbugs. Kiddos looking for fun are also in luck as activities like a second-line umbrella creation station and coconut decorating with the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club ‘Junior Zulus’ are held throughout the weekend event.

If the sweet trumpet sounds and bluesy lyrics don’t suit one’s ears, the Satchmo SummerFest still may be the place for you.

Several prominent speakers will discuss the life of Armstrong, as part of the 2011 Satchmo SummerFest Seminars, which are held at the Maison in the Marigny, located on 508 Frenchmen St., in the French Quarter.

This year’s keynote speaker, British music writer Richard Havers will start the festivities. Together with famous Armstrong archivist, Ricky Riccardi, they will discuss Havers’ new comprehensive box set of Armstrong titled “Satchmo.” It is set for release later this year and is widely regarded as one of the most complete Louis Armstrong boxed sets ever made available.

Of course in the midst of all this informative fun, one may have to beat the heat. Never fear, because in true New Orleans fashion, more than 25 food and beverage booths will be scattered across the festivals’ grounds to make sure that everyone enjoys the best treats that the Big Easy has to offer.

So plan a road trip to the city this month and say happy birthday to ‘ol Satchmo.

It’s a trip you’re sure to remember for a long time.

Satchmo SummerFest

Where: Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint

When: Thursday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 7

Cost: Free

For More Info: fqfi .org/satchmosummerfest