NEW ORLEANS (March 24, 2011) – Tune in and log-on on April 7 – 10 for complete coverage of the 2011 French Quarter Festival presented by Capital One Bank. With help from some of the official festival media partners, fans can experience the action and excitement via radio, iPhone and the internet.
French Quarter Festival iPhone App by Applitite
Catering to the technology-savvy festival-goers, the 2011 French Quarter Festival will offer the second edition of the iPhone application. Made possible through a partnership with Applitite, iPhone users will have a personal French Quarter Festival Guide at their fingertips. Applitite, the leading music festival mobile application provider has created an application that allows festival goers to download the 2011 French Quarter Festival music and event schedule, complete menus, plan their day, get up-to-the minute festival news and tweets, and access to the festival map – helping festival goers find their way to the music, food and fun! The iPhone application will be available for download prior to French Quarter Festival and can be downloaded through the Apple’s App Store.
French Quarter Festival live streaming on WWLTV.com – WWL-TV, Channel Four
One of the nation’s highest-rated local television stations, WWL-TV Channel 4 first signed on the air on September 7, 1957. As “Louisiana’s News Leader”, Channel 4’s unwavering commitment to local journalism has earned it seven prestigious George Foster Peabody Awards, three National Edward R. Murrow Awards and a host of other national, regional and local honors. WWL’s main studios and offices are located on Rampart Street in the French Quarter, with a North Shore bureau located in Mandeville. WWL-TV is the Major Media Sponsor of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. During the 2011 French Quarter Festival, the station will be hosting live streaming from the WWL-TV Stage in Jackson Square and throughout the festival on WWLTV.com.
WWOZ 90.7 FM
WWOZ, New Orleans’ legendary radio station, will be broadcasting live from the Harrah’s ‘Louis-Louis’ Pavilion Stage all weekend. Listeners can log onto wwoz.com and hear live streaming of performances from some of New Orleans’ favorite artists. Also at the festival, WWOZ will be mobile broadcast unit – ‘Streetwise’, which will be seen all-over the French Quarter, covering Jackson Square and the street stages on Royal, Bourbon and Decatur.
NOLA.com
Far-away festival fans won’t miss a thing, as nola.com streams live performances from all over French Quarter Festival. Viewers can log on to nola.com throughout festival weekend and see one-of-a-kind festival performances from some of New Orleans’ favorite artists. In addition, nola.com will host a photo contest. Festival goers are encouraged to upload pictures from French Quarter Festival and will have a chance to win fantastic prizes and have their photos featured on nola.com
Festival for Foodies!
Throughout the festival weekend, WWL-AM will be broadcasting live from Jackson Square as local food critic, Tom Fitzmorris, will be on hand sampling and reporting on the culinary delights of French Quarter Festival’s signature event, the ‘World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’. In addition, Lorin Gaudin, the self proclaimed ‘Food Goddess of New Orleans’, will be showcasing and sampling some of the unique festival fare from some of the 105 food and beverage booths at the festival. Fellow foodies Chef Fred Genovese, and the “Fat Man” – Kevin Jenkins, from the Atlanta based ‘Chef and the ‘Fatman’’, will also be in town entertaining and spicing up the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone with their live broadcast.
Capture the moment!
Festival-goers attending French Quarter Festival are encouraged to upload and share festival photos on NOLA.com and NewOrleans.com. Visitors can post photos and view fellow fest-fan photos to relive the experience over and over again.
NEW ORLEANS (March 24, 2011) – French Quarter Festivals, Inc. announces that the Classical Music Stage at the 2011 French Quarter Festival will move to historic St. Mary’s Church at the Old Ursuline Convent. Hotel Monteleone is the sponsor of the Classical Music Stage and the ‘Official Hotel of French Quarter Festival’.
2011 French Quarter Festival Classical Music Stage St. Mary’s at the Ursuline Convent – 1116 Chartes Street
Saturday, April 9
11 am Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra
12:30 pm Opera on Tap
2:00 pm Lyric String Quartet
3:30 pm Harpist Rachel Van Voorhees
Sunday, April 10
11:00-12:15 Crescent City Winds
12:30-1:45 David Rebeck & Caroline Hixson Duo
2:00-3:15 Pianist Adam Mayon
3:30-4:45 Guitarist John Rankin
History of St. Mary’s Church, 1100 Charters Street, New Orleans, LA
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church (named by Archbishop Shulte in March of 1994) was built in 1845 as the Chapel of the Archbishops during the administration of Bishop Antoine Blanc. The ground on which the chapel was constructed originally was the site of the Ursuline Convent and chapel dating to the arrival of the Ursulines in New Orleans. After the Ursulines moved down river in 1824, the site became the residence of the Archbishop of New Orleans. The church has born several names through its existence. It was originally called Sainte Marie de l’Archeveche and later Holy Trinity. Later, it became St. Mary’s Italian Church, the official Italian parish of the Archdiocese, with services in the Italian language for the many Sicilian and Italian immigrants who settled in the lower French Quarter. In 1976, the name was changed to Our Lady of Victory to commemorate the Ursulines and their role in the winning of the Battle of New Orleans. Overall, the church has served the French, Spanish, Creole, Irish, German, Slavonian and Italian people as well as native Indians and the Sisters of the Holy Family who are predominantly an African-American order. The original Pilcher organ, built in 1890 for the Ursulines by the Pilcher Bros. of New Orleans, now stands restored and functional in the church choir loft.
WWNO 89.9 FM
WWNO 89.9 FM will be broadcasting with live remote from the Classical Music Stage, hosted by station personalities. WWNO serves the community by broadcasting NPR news, information, classical music, jazz, variety programs, and unique local content. WWNO is a non-profit public radio station owned and operated by the University of New Orleans. WWNO 89.9FM began transmitting in 1972, and in 1995 KTLN 90.5FM was added to cover Thibodaux/Houma listening area.
THE RETURN OF THE SHUTTLE AT FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL! Patrons can ride the ‘Capital One Second Line Shuttle’ for FREE, all weekend long and enjoy the music, food, the French Quarter neighborhood and SPECTACULAR SPECIAL EVENTS AT FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL Save the dates for festival fun! April 9 – 11, 2010
NEW ORLEANS (March 24, 2010) – The 27th annual French Quarter Festival presented by Capital One Bank is less than 20 days away and fans are actively planning festival weekend schedules. French Quarter Festival was voted ‘favorite festival’ six times and over 441,000 people attended in 2009. Preliminary indicators show that 2010 will be equally or more popular with locals and visitors alike.
The ‘Capital One Bank Second Line Shuttle’ at French Quarter Festival
In partnership with Capital One Bank, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud to announce the exciting return of the festival shuttle – renamed the ‘Capital One Second Line Shuttle’. In their commitment to keep French Quarter Festival a quality free event for the community, Capital One will offer FREE round-trip shuttle service throughout festival weekend. “In a city known for letting the good times roll, the French Quarter Festival serves up a huge portion of fun with a distinct New Orleans flavor,” said Steve Hemperley, Greater New Orleans Market President for Capital One Bank. “The main ingredients are legendary music and great, local food — mix them together, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable three-day weekend in one of America’s most historic and charming neighborhoods. And all of us at Capital One Bank are honored to play such a role in an event that showcases so much of what makes our city truly special.”
Shuttle Specifics
Official parking will be in lots F – located across from the Convention Center at Convention Center Boulevard and Henderson Street. Over 1,700 parking spaces are available and special event parking is only $10 per day per vehicle. Shuttles will run from 10:30 am – 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10:30 am – 8 pm on Sunday. Parking is based on availability and festival goers are encouraged to begin their day early to take advantage of this convenience. Shuttle service will be provided by Hotard.
Most visitors equate French Quarter Festival with live local music and incredible food, but alongside the 180+ musical performances and 105 food and beverage booths, French Quarter Festival also hosts an impressive array of special events during festival weekend, all of which are free and open to the public. Some events are new for 2010 and others have taken place annually, since the festival’s inception in 1984.
A 27-year tradition, French Quarter Festival kicks off French Quarter Festival with a colorful second-line parade, which takes place on Friday April 9th. The parade rolls at 10am from the 100 Block of Bourbon Street, where lively revelers, musicians, and festival goers will second-line throughout the historic French Quarter into the gates of Jackson Square to open the festival. Immediately following the parade, Connie Jones and French Quarter Festival All-stars, along with Pete Fountain, toast the crowd in Jackson Square and usher in the 27th Annual French Quarter Festival. This always-popular event attracts groups from all over the world who participate.
Another long-time French Quarter Festival event is the International Music Colloquium, which features academic presentations on the history of New Orleans music. Held annually in conjunction with French Quarter Festival, the 14th Annual New Orleans International Music Colloquium offers a two-day series of informal presentations, interesting panels, live music, and interviews dedicated to the music of New Orleans. Presenters are lively and entertaining; hands-on demonstrations often illustrate their lectures. This year, the colloquium will celebrate the 100th anniversary of New Orleans’ native, Louis Prima. Guest presenters will present lectures, panels, live music, and films inspired by the ‘King of Swing’.
New events for 2010 include the Rouses Crawfish Eating Competition, which is produced in collaboration with the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE). At noon on Saturday, April 10th, professional eaters from across the country will gather at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint to wage an eating battle with Louisiana crawfish. Locals and tourists are invited to attend and cheer on their favorite ‘gurgitators’ as they compete to consume the most mudbugs. Prior to the competition, festival-goers unfamiliar with proper crawfish-eating technique will be given a lesson on peeling, pinching and sucking down one Louisiana’s favorite crustaceans. Rouses will also be serving hot boiled crawfish all weekend long at the Old U.S. Mint, and fans can enjoy one of the city’s oldest dining traditions in close proximity to the ‘Cajun-Zydeco Showcase’ and the ‘Esplanade in the Shade’ stages at festival.
Also new for 2010, Fleur de Lindy will present free social dancing and lessons for adults and children at French Quarter Festival. Throughout the weekend, the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage will feature classes in the following styles of dance: Second Line, Charleston, Swing, Fox-Trot, Traditional Jazz, and Lindy Hop. In addition, dance classes for children, including Swing and Second Line, will be available at the ‘Children’s Headquarters’, located at the riverfront plaza, near Audubon Aquarium, on Saturday and Sunday. All classes are taught by professional dancers from NOLA Jitterbugs, Dancing Man 504, Dance Quarter, as well as other special guests. Half-Hour, all-level dance classes proceed every performance at the French Market. Two classes per day are offered at the Children’s Headquarters. All classes are free and open to the public. See music schedule for details.
This year the French Quarter Festival Children’s Headquarters, features family fun, kid friendly-entertainment and education projects. Activities include face painting, nature activities, tai chi, karate and yoga for kids, ‘Milk the Moment’ mustaches, dance lessons, ‘green’ projects, Satchmo collage-making, museum activities for kids, and more! This area also features family friendly music on the Kid’s Stage. The Children’s Headquarters, sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park and Tulane Hospital for Children, will be open from 11am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Festival-goers are also invited to participate in other free activities throughout the three-day weekend and are encouraged to explore all that French Quarter Festival has to offer. Other special events within the festival include Battle of the Bands, Dancing at Dusk, the St. Louis Cathedral Spring Concert, and the World’s Largest Jazz Brunch. A popular tradition for locals and visitors alike – the kickoff party and fundraiser ‘TGIF’ (Thank Goodness it’s Festival!) party takes place the evening of Thursday, April 8th on the Steamboat Natchez, dockside. Tickets are only $55 in advance ($65 after April 1st) and the event is open to the public. Almost 1,100 people attended the TGIF kickoff party in 2009.
Sponsors for French Quarter Festival include: Capital One Bank, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Harrah’s Foundation, Abita Brewing Company, Southern Comfort, Coca-Cola, WWL-TV, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, French Market Corporation, Cox Business Louisiana, Musician’s Performance Fund, Rouses Market, Fetzer, National Endowment for the Arts, Louisiana State Museum, Community Coffee, Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans as administered by the Arts Council of New Orleans, Crystal Hot Sauce, nola.com, Louisiana Lottery, BMI, Chevron, Heyward Foundation, Continental Airlines, Pat O’s on the River, Hard Rock Café, Court of Two Sisters, Tulane Medical Center, Tulane Hospital for Children at Tulane Medical Center, applitite, New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, Milk the Moment, BMI Foundation, Rolland Lock and Safe, Whole Foods, TRS – The Registration System, WWOZ 90.7 FM, OffBeat Magazine, Where Y’at Magazine, New Orleans Fine Hotels, Inn on Bourbon, Windsor Court Hotel, Café Beignet, New Orleans Red Dress Run sponsored by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, Fleur de Lindy, dancingman504.com, dancequarter.com, Nola Baby & Family Magazine, Musical Legends Park, Preservation Hall, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Le Petit Theatre, Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center, NewOrleans.com, Louisiana Cookin’, Louisiana’s Health & Fitness Magazine, Vocero USA, The New Orleans Levee, Taste of the South Magazine, WWNO 89.9FM, WWL AM870, 102.5 WFMF, 96.1 KRVE, AM1150 WJBO, 101.5 WYNK, 107.5 KCIL, 106.3 KXOR, 96.7 KMYO, and 1490AM KJIN. For more information on all FQFI festivals and events, call 504-522-5730 or visit the festival’s website at www.fqfi.org.
Special Events on Friday, April 9, 2010
French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade – 100 block of Bourbon Street to Jackson Square – 10 AM
14th Annual New Orleans International Music Colloquium, featuring academic presentations on the history of New Orleans
music – Jazz National Historic Park, Visitors Center, 916 N. Peters (see schedule below)
9:00 - Joseph Logsdon Memorial Coffee & Welcome
9:30 – 10:50 – BBC Documentary or ‘The Chief’
11:00 – 12:00 – McDonogh 15 Choir – Young musicians from McDonogh 15 Elementary School for the Creative Arts sing and play some of their favorite
songs from Africa to America.
12 noon – Presentation of NOIMC Award & Louis Prima Centennial Cake Cutting Ceremony with family member
Joyce Prima
1:00 – 2:00 – U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp
This ensemble comprised of members from the premier United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” performs a
rollicking set of Louisiana informed jazz, blues, swamp pop, and a special musical tribute to Louis Prima.
2:15 – 3:00 – Jump Jive and Wail – Dancing to the music of Louis Prima in the 1930s and 40’s
3:00 – 3:45 – A Musical Tribute to Louis Prima
Under the direction of pianist Tom Hook, this forty five minute performance will include an eight piece band, plus a
vocalist, for a swinging set of Louis Prima favorites.
4:00 – 4:50 - The Musical Legacy of the Prima Family
Join Dr. Bruce Raeburn, curator of Tulane University’s Hogan Jazz Archive, as he discusses the rich legacy of the
Prima musical
Open Tours of the Hermann-Grima House – 820 St. Louis, and Gallier House – 1132 Royal – 11AM to 3PM (last tours
begin at 2PM)
New for 2010! Fleur de Lindy and French Quarter Festival present social dancing at tFrench Quarter Festival. The French
Market Traditional Jazz Stage will feature classes in the following dances: Second Line, Charleston, Swing, Fox-Trot,
Traditional Jazz, and Lindy Hop. Classes are taught by professional dancers from NOLA Jitterbugs, Dancing Man 504, Dance
Quarter, as well as other special guests. Half-Hour, all-level dance classes proceed every band. All classes are free and
open to the public. See music schedule for details.
The Historic New Orleans Collection presents the eleventh annual Bill Russell Lecture: “The Musical Legacy of
George Lewis” – with moderator Bruce Raeburn, curator, Hogan Jazz Archive, Tulane University and panelists; Barry
Martyn, drummer and author; Nick Gagliano, former manager of George Lewis; and music by the Tom Sanction Trio. Williams
Research Center, 410 Chartres Street – 6:30 p.m.
Special Events on Saturday, April 10, 2010
Pirates Alley Juried Art Show – presented by the New Orleans Art Association; over 100 artists displaying original fine art in Pirates Alley, Pere Antoine Alley, Cabildo Alley and Royal Street – 8AM to 6PM
14th Annual New Orleans International Music Colloquium, featuring academic presentations on the history of New Orleans music – NEW LOCATION! The Historic New Orleans Collection, Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street (see schedule below)
11:00 – The New Orleans Jazz Museum & the Revival of Jazz: Panel Discussion
12:00 noon – Louis Prima on Film, ???? BBC Documentary or ‘The Chief’
1:00 – Setting the Record Straight: Panel Discussion – The Borenstein & Rose families tell their story
1:00 – 2:00pm – Norma Miller book signing at A Tisket A Tasket (910 Decatur Street); from 1-3PM on Saturday. http://www.normamillerswings.com
3:00 - Louis Prima in New Orleans & His Early Recordings presented by historian Dan Meyer
4:00 – 6:00 – The Prima and Segreto Family Stories – Oral History Interview with Joe Segreto. The discussion will
include the early days of Louis Armstrong, the 500 Club, and the later days of Louis Prima.
Open Tours of the Hermann-Grima House – 820 St. Louis, and Gallier House – 1132 Royal – 11AM to 3PM (last tours
begin at 2PM)
Fleur de Lindy & French Quarter Festival present social dancing at the French Quarter Festival! The French Market
Traditional Jazz Stage will feature classes in the following dances: Second Line, Charleston, Swing, Fox-Trot, Traditional
Jazz, and Lindy Hop. The Children’s Headquarters on the riverfront plaza at Audubon Aquarium will also feature classes for
kids. All classes are taught by professional dancers from NOLA Jitterbugs, Dancing Man 504, Dance Quarter, as well as other
special guests. All Classes Are Free and Open to the Public. See music schedule for times and details.
Rouses Crawfish Eating Contest hosted by IFEA, the International Federation of Eating at Louisiana State Museum’s Old
U.S. Mint – 12 NOON
NORMA MILLER “Queen of Swing” will be in New Orleans for Fleur de Lindy and French Quarter Festival! She was an
original member of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers and performed with Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Chick Webb, and many other
Jazz Greats.
FLEUR DE LINDY is hosting a book signing, Make time during French Quarter Festival to stop by and pick up a copy of this
great book. If you love Swing dancing, this is a glimpse into the past, present, and future.
Tisket-A-Tasket Books, 910 Decatur – 1 – 3PM
Children’s Headquarters on the riverfront plaza at Audubon Aquarium – face painting, nature activities, tai chi, karate and
yoga for kids, ‘Got Milk?’ mustaches, swing dancing lessons, museum activities for kids, music on the Kid’s Stage, family fun
entertainment, and more! 11AM to 6PM
Opera at Dusk – operatic performances with musical accompaniment; sponsored by La Belle Galerie; 300 block of Chartres –
6PM
Battle of the Bands – traditional jazz bands compete in a rousing playoff – 400 block of Royal – 5:30 to 7PM
Special Events on Sunday, April 11, 2010
Pirates Alley Juried Art Show – presented by the New Orleans Art Association; over 100 artists displaying original fine art in
Pirates Alley, Pere Antoine Alley, Cabildo Alley and Royal Street – 8AM to 6PM
Fleur de Lindy & French Quarter Festival present social dancing at the French Quarter Festival! The French Market
Traditional Jazz Stage will feature classes in the following dances: Second Line, Charleston, Swing, Fox-Trot, Traditional
Jazz, and Lindy Hop. The Children’s Headquarters on the riverfront plaza at Audubon Aquarium will also feature classes for
kids. All classes are taught by professional dancers from NOLA Jitterbugs, Dancing Man 504, Dance Quarter, as well as other
special guests. All Classes Are Free and Open to the Public. See music schedule for times and details.
Children’s Headquarters on the riverfront plaza at Audubon Aquarium – face painting, nature activities, tai chi, karate and
yoga for kids, ‘Got Milk?’ mustaches, swing dancing lessons, museum activities for kids, music on the Kid’s Stage, family fun
entertainment, and more! 11AM to 6PM
St. Louis Cathedral Annual Spring Concert – Concert Choir and Orchestra under the direction of Dreux Montegut will
present the Requiem in d minor by W. A. Mozart with soloists Melanie Russel, Clara O’Brien, Dana Wilson, and Kenneth
Weber – 7PM
Dancing at Dusk – You’ll be ‘In the Mood’ for a ‘Sentimental Journey’ with the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller,
Count Basie and other favorites from the 30s, 40s and 50s. Come dance and swing at this festival favorite with Rocky’s Hot
Fox Trot Orchestra – 400 block of Royal – 6PM to 7:15PM
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (February 9, 2011) – Last year was full of historic moments – the Saints won the Super Bowl, a new
Mayor took office, and French Quarter Festival broke records. The 2010 French Quarter Festival surpassed all attendance
expectations, with an estimated 512,000 local and out-of-town visitors.
Mardi Gras, Super Bowl and French Quarter Festival – by the numbers
The 2010 French Quarter Festival moved to the forefront of events as a leader in economic impact for the city and state. According to
the University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center, the 2010 French Quarter Festival had a $316 million dollar economic
impact. This places it third in economic impact for 2010, just behind Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl (when it is in New Orleans).
New Orleans last hosted the Super Bowl in 2002. The event is estimated to have had a $292 million economic impact including
spending on entertainment, shopping, lodging and transportation according to Dr. Janet Speyrer, an associate dean for research and
an economics and professor at the University of New Orleans. Speyrer further said UNO has estimated the impact of the 2013 game
at $350 million to $400 million with the great variation attributable to large unknown factors like changes in the attitude toward
corporate travel and hotel room rates.
According to the Times-Picayune, the 2009 Mardi Gras celebration resulted in a direct economic impact of $145.7 million and an
indirect impact of $322 million in the city of New Orleans, as found by a study commissioned by a group of Carnival krewe captains
and conducted by Tulane University professors Toni Weiss and Paul Spindt.
New Orleans Tourism officials have publicly stated that New Orleans has finally moved beyond Katrina – in terms of media and visitor
perception. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud to be a partner in helping to produce quality events for the community while
stimulating tourism, economic growth and generating tax dollars for the city and state.
2011 French Quarter Festival – a year of growth, with focus on maintaining a high quality event
In preparation for the 2011 French Quarter Festival locals and visitors alike will experience changes that should improve their festival
experience:
For the first time in its history, the festival has added an additional day. Dubbed ‘Locals Lagniappe Day,’ Thursday, April 7th will open the festival. An eclectic mix of artists, chosen because they are local favorites, include: Los Hombres Calientes, Benny Grunch and the Bunch, Kipori Woods, and The Preservation Hall-Stars will play opening day. Jackson Square will be open from noon to 5 p.m. and the Riverfront (Woldenberg Riverfront Park), with four stages, will run from 3 – 7 p.m. New Orleans’ finest restaurants – otherwise known as ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’ will be serving in Jackson Square and on the Riverfront.
The House of Blues has joined the festival as a sponsor and partner. New for 2011 will be a House of Blues Stage on Decatur Street in close proximity to the venue. The TGIF ‘Thank Goodness it’s Festival!’ kickoff party on Wednesday, April 6th moves to the House of Blues for the first time, and takes place from 7-10 p.m. with Bluesman Little Freddie King in the VooDoo Garden and Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters in the Music Hall. A special Gospel Brunch menu will be served. In addition, House of Blues will continue to host its food booth on the Riverfront and will become an ‘official’ merchandise outlet of the French Quarter Festival.
For 2011, the Monteleone Hotel has joined the festival as the official hotel sponsor. The always popular Classical Music Stage, will move to the Monteleone this year with performances on Saturday and Sunday. The Classical Stage features performances by some of the most respected performers from the area including: Harpist Rachel Van Voorhees, Guitarist John Rankin, members of the New Orleans Opera, the Louisiana Philharmonic and more. It has been said that ‘the French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone’. This beautiful and historic hotel sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street.
2011 brings the return of the Latin World Stage to French Quarter Festival. The popular high energy stage returns to the Old U.S. Mint and will feature artists such as Freddie Omar con su Banda, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Ensemble Fatien featuring Seguenon Kone, Ovi-G and the Froggies, Zion Trinity, Higher Heights Reggae and Mas Mamones.
The ever-popular Children’s Headquarters will be expanded on the Audubon Aquarium Riverfront Plaza and made possible in part through an exciting partnership with Chevron and Audubon Institute. Anchoring the Children’s Headquarters will be a new Kids’ Performance Tent and interactive family activities, including hands-on cooking demonstrations with Whole Foods; yoga and karate for kids; face painting and activities courtesy of Tulane Hospital for Children; Junior Rangers activities sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, and more. This year, the Children’s Headquarters will once again focus on educating families about ‘healthy kids’ programs in a fun and interactive way. Performances in the Kids Tent are sponsored by Tulane Hospital for Children and the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park.
Great partnerships return to French Quarter Festival
In order to keep French Quarter Festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners, beverage and merchandise sales, and vendor fees. For 2011, the festival is thrilled to welcome back Capital One Bank, as Presenting Sponsor. “The French Quarter Festival is a vibrant, fun event that celebrates one of America’s most historic and cherished neighborhoods, the French Quarter, in a style that is distinctly New Orleans,” said Steve Hemperley, Capital One Bank’s New Orleans Market President. “Capital One Bank is proud to return as presenting sponsor of this great local festival, which offers world-class music and food and provides a significant and positive economic impact to our city, state and region. At Capital One Bank, we are committed to investing in greater New Orleans to help it grow and thrive, and by supporting the French Quarter Festival we’re supporting our local economy.” In addition to their sponsorship of the festival, Capital One Bank will once again host the Second Line Shuttle, providing free shuttle transportation for festival goers three days of festival (Friday through Sunday). Additional busses will run in 2011 to better accommodate festival guests.
In collaboration with BMI, French Quarter Festival welcomes back for its second year the BMI Singer Songwriter Stage at The Historic New Orleans Collection on Royal Street. Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing rights organization that represents more than 400,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. On Saturday and Sunday of the festival, the BMI Songwriter Stage will feature the region’s finest up-and-comers.
Catering to the technology-savvy festival-goer, the 2011 French Quarter Festival will once again have its own iPhone application. Made possible through a partnership with Applitite, iPhone users will have a personal French Quarter Festival Guide at their fingertips. Applitite, the leader in music festival mobile application providers and also avid festival lovers, has created an application that allows revelers to plan their agenda, get up-to-the-minute updates about the event, and access the festival map and music schedule directly from iPhones and iPod Touches. The application will be available for download prior to French Quarter Festival and can be downloaded through the Apple’s iTunes Store.
2011 also welcomes the return of traditional dance lessons at the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage; Zydeco dance lessons at the Cajun Zydeco Riverfront Stage; and second line dance lessons in the Children’s Headquarters near Audubon Aquarium. Between musical breaks, festival patrons are invited to learn traditional dance-styles such as the Charleston, Swing, Zydeco and Second-line. Instructors from NOLA Jitterbugs, Fleur de Lindy, Dance Quarter and Dancing Man 504 will be on hand demonstrating and educating visitors on these various dance styles.
Out-of-town festival goers are encouraged to book their travel accommodations now; as many area hotels have reported they have
been enjoying strong reservations since December 2010. April marks the kickoff to festival season in New Orleans. As always, there
is no finer time to visit New Orleans as the spring, especially during the weekend of French Quarter Festival – the largest free music
festival in the South.
Sponsors for French Quarter Festival include: Capital One Bank (Presenting Sponsor), Harrah’s Foundation, Abita Brewing Company, Southern Comfort, General Motors Corporation (GMC Trucks), Coca-Cola, WWL-TV, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Rouses Market, French Market Corporation, Cox Business Louisiana, Chevron, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Musician’s Performance Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, Louisiana State Museum, Community Coffee, Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans as administered by the Arts Council of New Orleans, nola.com, Louisiana Lottery, BMI, Continental Airlines, Pat O’s on the River, Hard Rock Café, Court of Two Sisters, Tulane Medical Center, Tulane Hospital for Children at Tulane Medical Center, applitite, New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, Rolland Lock and Safe, Whole Foods, TRS – The Registration System, WWOZ 90.7 FM, OffBeat magazine, Where Y’at magazine, Windsor Court Hotel, Café Beignet, NOLA Jitterbugs, Fleur de Lindy, dancingman504.com, dancequarter.com, NOLA Baby & Family Magazine, Musical Legends Park, Preservation Hall, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center, NewOrleans.com, Louisiana Cookin’, Louisiana’s Health & Fitness Magazine, Vocero USA, The New Orleans Levee, Taste of the South Magazine, WWNO 89.9FM, WWL AM870, 102.5 WFMF, 96.1 KRVE, AM1150 WJBO, 101.5 WYNK, 107.5 KCIL, 106.3 KXOR, 96.7 KMYO, and 1490AM KJIN.
French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Christmas New Orleans Style in December. For more information about any of these events, call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org.
WHAT: TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Festival!) Kickoff Party
Annual Fundraiser for French Quarter Festival
WHERE: new location! House of Blues
225 Decatur Street
WHEN: Wednesday, April 6, 2011
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $55 through April 1st ($65 after April 1)
FOR MORE INFO: Call 504-522-5730 or purchase tickets online at www.fqfi.org
NEW ORLEANS – French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), producers of the largest FREE music festival in the South, French Quarter Festival, will usher in this year’s festival season with the official kickoff party at its annual fundraiser, TGIF (Thank Goodness it’s Festival!), Wednesday, April 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the House of Blues – an exciting new festival partner.
TGIF Tickets are $55 through April 1st and $65 beginning April 2th. Proceeds from ticket sales go toward keeping French Quarter Festival FREE and open to the public. Admission includes Abita beer, Southern Comfort cocktails, Coca-Cola products and a very special gospel brunch menu. Entertainment for the evening will include music by Little Freddie King and Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters. FQFI will raffle off an exciting array of gifts including New Orleansthemed treasures and adventures. The event is open to the public and dress is jazzy casual. In 2010, over 1,100 guests attended the kickoff party.
The 28th Annual French Quarter Festival takes place on April 7, 8, 9, and 10. A complete listing of music schedules, menus and events can be found at www.fqfi.org. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Christmas New Orleans Style in December. FQFI promotes the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through high quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans.
Little Freddie King has been playing the blues in New Orleans for over 50 years. Little Freddie King (born Fread E. Martin) was born in 1940 in McComb, Mississippi. His style was so often compared to his mentor, blues legend Freddie King, that he earned the nickname “Little Freddie King”. The son of a blues-man, the young King taught himself to play guitar. He moved to New Orleans at the age of 14 where developed his own style of “gut-bucket” blues in juke joints. During the 1950’s he played with the likes of Polka Dot Slim, Guitar Grady, Guitar Ray, Snooks Eaglin, Billy Tate, Rev.Charles Jacobs, Harmonica Williams, Boogie Bill Webb and Eddie Lang. He recorded the 1969 electric blues album, Harmonica Williams and Little Freddie King, in New Orleans. He toured Europe with Bo Diddley, Texas Alexander and John Lee Hooker in 1976. King’s most recent album, Gotta Walk With Da King was released in 2010 to high praise. King was inducted to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in October, 2010.
Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters are considered Zydeco’s royal family. The legendary Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., (Alton Rubin), was known around the world as the “crown prince of Zydeco”. He died in 1993, performing the classic Creole accordion until his death. His sons vowed to keep the memory of their father alive by continuing the music tradition they grew up watching their father perform. Wash-board player, David Rubin, a.k.a. Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. fronts the band that includes brothers Tiger, (Alton Rubin, Jr.), on drums and Anthony on button
accordion. Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. is well known for his explosive dance moves and charismatic stage presence. The band has performed for President Bill Clinton, shared the stage with Tina Turner, Bonnie Raitt, BB King, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, and Jimmy Buffet. Dopsie and his brothers performed with Britney Spears and Mystikal on MTV’s two-hour Mardi Gras special in 2000 as well as recording with Paul Simon, Cindy Lauper and Bob Dylan. Rockin’ Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters have brought their unique style of Zydeco rhythms across the country and all over the world.
In a city known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, even festivals are known for serving world-class food. During the 28th annual French Quarter Festival (Thursday, April 7 – Sunday, April 10, 2011) festival-goers will enjoy signature offerings at the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.”
The 2011 festival welcomes some great new restaurants including Dickie Brennan’s, Dunbars Creole Cooking, Mona’s, Red Fish Grill and Oceana. Food and beverage booths are located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint and make up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” Authentic local cuisines from the area’s finest restaurants are featured, including such festival favorites as Crawfish Bread, Cochon de Lait, Crawfish Bisque, Hot Sausage Po-boys, Cajun Meat Pies, and more. Foodies will also enjoy Crawfish and Goat Cheese Crepes, Fish Tacos, White Chocolate Bread Pudding, and Creole Cream Cheese ice cream. In addition to all of the wonderful food items, the festival offers an array of refreshing beverages including Abita Beer, Southern Comfort cocktails and daiquiris, Coca-Cola products, Hurricanes, and Plum Street Sno-Balls. Most menu items range in price from $3 – $7 to keep the festival not only fun, but affordable.
In order to maintain the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, the Jazz Brunch Committee follows specific criteria for participating in the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch”. In order to qualify, vendors must be dine-in restaurants from the New Orleans region. French Quarter Festival is able to feature an array of New Orleans’ culinary finest, including Anotine’s, Begue’s, Desire Oyster Bar, Ristorante Carmelo, Trey Yuen Cuisine, and Tujague’s – all of whom participated in the first-ever French Quarter Festival in 1984. Patrons can also enjoy an assortment from new participants such as Royal House, Little Tokyo, Lakeview Harbor, House of Blues, Pearl’s Catering, and Quintin’s Ice Cream.
Visit www.fqfi.org to see the complete food and beverage menu. The “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” is served daily from 11 am – 7 pm Friday through Sunday in Jackson Square and at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint, and 11:00am- 9:00pm in Woldenberg Riverfront Park on Friday and Saturday and from 11:00am – 7:00pm on Sunday.
The 2011 French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest and Christmas New Orleans Style. For more information on French Quarter Festival, call 504-522-5730 or visit online at www.fqfi.org.
World’s Largest Jazz Brunch
2011 French Quarter Festival food & beverage concessions as of February 9, 2011:
Alibi
Alpine
Amy’s Vietnamese
Antoine’s
Ba Mien Vietnamese Cuisine
Barreca’s
Begue’s @ The Royal Sonesta
Bennachin
Between the Bread (EAT)
Bombay Club
Boucherie
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Buttermilk Drop Bakery
Bywater Bar-B-Que
Clock Bar @ Chateau Bourbon Hotel
Corky’s BBQ
The Court of Two Sisters
Crabby Jack’s
Crazy Johnnie’s
Creole Delicacies
Crepes a la Cart
Crescent City Pie and Sausage
Daiquiri Delight Shop
Desire Oyster Bar @ Royal Sonesta
Dickie Brennan’s
Dunbar’s Creole Kitchen, Inc.
Flour Power Confectionery
Gumbo Shop
GW Fins
Hard Rock Cafe
House of Blues
Jacques-Imo’s
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
The Joint
Lakeview Harbor
Little Tokyo
Love At First Bite
Mona’s
Muriel’s Jackson Square
New Orleans Original Daiquiris
Emeril’s NOLA
Oceana Grill
Original New Orleans Po Boys
Pat O’Brien’s
Plum Street Snowballs
Praline Connection
Quintin’s Ice Cream
Ralph and Kacoo’s
Red Fish Grill
Ristorante Carmelo
Rotolo’s Pizzeria
Rouses
Royal House
Saltwater Grill
Superior Grill
Ted’s Frostop/Mrs. Wheat’s Pies
Trey Yuen Cuisine of China
Tropical Isle
Tujague’s
Two Guys Sausage at Italian Pie
Vaucresson Sausage Co., Inc.
