NEW ORLEANS – April 9, 10 and 11, 2010, marked the 27th anniversary and a record year for French Quarter Festival presented by Capital One Bank.  This year’s attendance figures indicate that approximately 512,000* festival-goers enjoyed the music, food, special events and of course, the historic French Quarter.  Visitors and locals alike enjoyed a unique weekend that only New Orleans can deliver.  Executive Director Marci Schramm commented, “We are so fortunate to have enjoyed a gorgeous weekend in New Orleans and that so many people came out to enjoy the festival – the food, the music, and the spirit of everyone was just fantastic.  We are thrilled with the support of Capital One Bank this year in such a meaningful way, along with all our festival sponsors – local brands that make New Orleans unique”.  “As presenting sponsor of the French Quarter Festival, Capital One Bank is proud to support an event that showcases and celebrates so much of what makes our city unique and special,” said Steve Hemperley, Greater New Orleans Market President for Capital One Bank. “This is one of many events we support that enhance the communities we serve in Louisiana. All of us at Capital One thank the festival’s organizers, performers and vendors, the residents and businesses of the French Quarter, and the hundreds of thousands of fans who combined to make this year’s French Quarter Festival the best yet.”

This award-winning festival, which began in 1984, has grown to become the largest free music festival in the South.  Eighteen stages throughout the French Quarter presented the best in New Orleans music, representing every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R & B and New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, classical, opera, Cajun Zydeco, Latin World, International, as well as a musical stage for children.  Over 105 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint made up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,” a signature event, featuring authentic local cuisine from renowned area restaurants, many of whom have been with the Festival its entire 27 years.  Record sales were recorded by both food and beverage vendors.

FQFI officials worked with Capital One Bank and Hotard to bring back shuttle service to the festival (not offered since 2003).  Capital One Bank sponsored the ‘Second Line Shuttle’, which was routed from the Convention Center to Canal Street and was free to ride all weekend.  To accommodate the many people attending the festival on both Saturday and Sunday, the New Orleans Police Department closed down North Peters and Decatur Street – creating a pedestrian mall from Canal Street all the way to the French Market.  The weekend was a safe and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike.

French Quarter Festival relies on strong community support to present the ‘kickoff to festival season in New Orleans’ – with over 1,100 volunteers, over 220 musical acts, sponsors including the New Orleans Musicians Union AFM Local 174-496, corporations from all over the state who sponsor musical acts at festival, New Orleans Police and Fire Departments, EMS, permitting assistance from the City of New Orleans and partnerships with Parks and Parkways, Audubon Institute and the Louisiana State Museum, among others.

Festival-goers attended special events throughout the three-day weekend, including over 1,100 guests at the Thursday night kickoff party: ‘TGIF’ – Thank Goodness it’s Festival! – on the Steamboat Natchez.  French Quarter Festival opened Friday with an official second-line parade, music starting at 11 a.m., the International Music Colloquium, free Swing Dance lessons at two stages, children’s music and activities at the Audubon Aquarium riverfront plaza, and a Pirate’s Alley Juried Art Show.  Saturday activities continued with the Rouses World Championship Crawfish Eating Contest, and Battle of the Bands.  Sunday’s ‘Dancing at Dusk’ grew in popularity as dancers filled the 400 block of Royal Street and beyond.

French Quarter Festival 2010 was sponsored by 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, French Market Corporation, Cox Business Louisiana, Musician’s Performance Fund, Rouses Market, Fetzer, National Endowment for the Arts, Louisiana State Museum, Community Coffee, Arts Council of New Orleans, nola.com, Louisiana Lottery, BMI, Heyward Foundation, Continental Airlines, New Orleans Red Dress Run sponsored by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Pat O’s on the River, Hard Rock Café, Court of Two Sisters, Tulane Medical Center, Tulane Hospital for Kids at Tulane Medical Center, applitite, New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, TRS – The Registration System, Got Milk?, BMI Foundation, WWOZ 90.7 FM, OffBeat Magazine, Where Y’at Magazine, 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, Taste of the South Magazine, WWNO 89.9FM,  WWL AM870, 102.5 WFMF, 96.1 KRVE, AM1150  WJBO, and 101.5 WYNK. For more information on all FQFI festivals and events, call 504-522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org.

French Quarter Festival was 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.

# # #

*Attendance numbers are calculated based on actual counts (that are adjusted down by percentage to account for repeat entrances and exits).  Fess Security counts at entry and exit points of major stages.  This number does not include attendance at the festival’s Royal, Bourbon, Chartres and French Market stages, Battle of the Bands, Dancing at Dusk, Courtyard Tours, Cathedral Concert, Opera at the Cabildo, and other special events.  The organization is pleased to report record sales of food, beverages and merchandise.

Showcasing New Orleans Culture and Heritage Since 1984!

French Quarter Festival measures its success in many ways…

Attendance:

2010 – 512,000 people attended French Quarter Festival

2009 – 441,000 people attended French Quarter Festival

The Algiers-Gretna Ferry:

2010 – over 45,000 people road the ferry to French Quarter Festival

2009 – over 22,000 people road the ferry to French Quarter Festival

-      According to a ferry spokesperson, 37% more people road the ferry to the 2010 French Quarter Festival compared to the 2010 Mardi Gras

-      The Algiers-Grenta Ferry is considering the addition of a third ferry for the 2011 French Quarter Festival.

Tourism:

The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) surveyed hotels and found that Friday night occupancy was 99 percent, Saturday night occupancy was 100 percent.

In addition to French Quarter Festival, the city hosted convention guests for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, American Planning Association and American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Abita:

2010 – 944 kegs consumed

2009 – 748 kegs consumed

Following the 2010 French Quarter Festival, there are no more kegs of Abita Jockamo India Pale Ale for distribution in the State of Louisiana (at the brewery and Crescent Crown Distributing).

Southern Comfort:

Following French Quarter Festival, there are no cases of Southern Comfort Sweet Tea cocktail left in the State of Louisiana for distribution (at Republic Beverage Company)

Rouses Crawfish Boil:

30,000 pounds of crawfish were boiled and consumed in 2010.  During 2009, the first year of this offering, 15,000-20,000 pounds of crawfish were boiled and consumed over three days during the ‘Rouses Crawfish Boil’ at the Old U.S. Mint.

NEW ORLEANS – In a city known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, even festivals are known for serving world-class food. During the 27^th Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Capital One Bank (Friday, April 9 – Sunday, April 11) festival-goers will enjoy at the festival’s signature event, the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.”

In 2009, French Quarter Festival set a festival record with 90 food and beverage booths. The 2010 event will shatter that record by offering over 105 food and beverage booths from some of the city’s culinary elite.  Over 105 food and beverage booths (list of concessionaires attached) located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint that make up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,” feature authentic local cuisines from the area’s finest restaurants including such festival favorites as Jambalaya, Crawfish Bread, Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, Muffaletta, Crawfish Bisque, Hot Sausage Po-boys, Cajun Meat Pies, and more. Foodies will also enjoy Crawfish and Goat Cheese Crepes, Fish Tacos, White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding, and Praline Crème Brulee. In addition to all of the wonderful food items, the festival offers an array of deliciously cool beverages including Abita Beer, frozen Southern Comfort cocktails, Fetzer wines, Coca-Cola products, Hurricanes, Margaritas, a wide assortment daiquiris, and Community Coffee.  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 a specific a criteria for participating in the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch”.  In order to qualify, vendors must be dine-in restaurants from New Orleans region. French Quarter Festival is able to feature an array of the New Orleans’ culinary finest, including Anotine’s, Begue’s, Desire Oyster Bar, Ristorante Carmelo, Trey Yuen Cuisine, and Tujague’s who 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 fqfi.org to see the complete food and beverage menu.  The “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” is served daily from 11:00am – 7:00 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 Sunday from 11:00am – 7:00pm Sunday.

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.

# # #

World’s Largest Jazz Brunch – Food & Beverage Concessions as of February 23, 2010:

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (February 23, 2010) – 2010 may be the most exciting year for New Orleans in recent history.  With the success of the Mardi Gras, Lombardi Gras and our New Orleans Saints, and February’s Mayoral Election, French Quarter Festival anticipates record-breaking attendance numbers.  Accordingly, 2010 ushers in an abundance of new and exciting things scheduled for the 27^th annual French Quarter Festival, beginning with the TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Festival!) Kick-off party on April 8, followed by the Festival on April 9 – 11 in the historic French Quarter.

In order to keep French Quarter Festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of our sponsors and partners, as well as beverage and merchandise sales. For 2010, the festival is thrilled to announce the largest single sponsorship contribution in the history of the festival, by Capital One, a long-time partner who will now become Presenting Sponsor for the 2010 French Quarter Festival. “Events like the French Quarter Festival remind us all of the deep cultural history of New Orleans and, in particular, the French Quarter,” said Steve Hemperley, Greater New Orleans Market President for Capital One Bank. “Capital One Bank is proud to be a part of the New Orleans community and to participate in this celebration of those things which make our city so special: world-class music, architecture and food.”

With thrilling new partnerships bring forth new programming for 2010.  In collaboration with BMI, French Quarter Festival will launch a brand new 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 12 of the region’s finest up-and-comers including: Luke Winslow-King, Amy Trail, Lynn Drury, Micah McKee, Charlie Oxford, Dana Abbott, Ruby Rendrag, Karen Waldrup, Kristin Diable, Jim McCormick, Andrew Duhon, and John Michael Rouchell.    Programming for BMI Songwriter stage will occur from 11am through 5pm on Saturday April 10 and Sunday April 11.

In order to make room for the BMI Songwriter Stage, the popular Classical Music Stage must be relocated; which was held at the THNOC in 2009. Due to a long-time relationship, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré welcomed the opportunity to host the Classical Music Stage. The Classical Music Stage and Le Petit, the oldest operating theatre in the country, will feature performances by some of the most respected performers from the area including: Harpist Rachel Van Voorhees, Guitarist John Rankin, and the Crescent Woodwind Quartet. Performances on the Classical Music Stage at Le Petit will take place from 11am through 4:45pm on Saturday April 10 and Sunday April 11.

Catering to the technology-savvy festival-goers, the 2010 French Quarter Festival will offer it’s first-ever 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 provider 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.

On the other hand, patrons yearning for something more nostalgic can partake in the series of traditional dance lessons located at the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage, located at Governor Nicholls and French Market Place.  Between musical breaks, festival patrons are invited to learn traditional dances styles such as the Charleston, Swing, and Second-line, a favorite New Orleans past time.  Instructors from Fleur de Lindy and dancingman504.com will be on hand demonstrating and educating visitors on these various dance styles on a state-of-the-art dance floor.  Performers such as the Jazz Vipers, Sophie Lee, Rick Trolson & the New Orleans Po-Boys, and James Andrews will provide ‘music to swing to’ all weekend long on the Traditional Jazz Stage.

Even though French Quarter Festival features over 150 local musical acts, there is still opportunity for increase the number of performers.  This year, the famed Brass Band Stage will take on a new name and feature more performances than ever before.  Performers on the Riverside Legacy Stage include: Rebirth Brass Band, the Soul Rebels, Storyville Stompers, and Treme Brass Band. In addition to traditional brass bands, the Riverside Legacy Stage will also feature acts such Glenn David Andrews, I’voire Spectacle, Kora Konnection, and Big Chief Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias.

French Quarter Festival celebrates the return of the ‘Louis-Louis’ Pavilion Stage on the riverfront, paying tribute to Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima with special performances dedicated to these famous native sons.  WWOZ 90.7FM will be broadcasting live all weekend long from the ‘Louis-Louis’ Pavilion Stage all weekend long.  FQF will also act as the maiden voyage of the WWOZ ‘Street-Wise’ mobile broadcasting unit, a broadcast device created from a hi-tech supermarket shopping cart, as they broadcast live from the street stages all weekend long.

The ever-popular Children’s Headquarters was expanded and relocated to the Audubon Aquarium Plaza on the riverfront in 2009 and made possible through an exciting partnership with Audubon Institute.   Anchoring the Children’s Headquarters will be The Kids’ Stage at the ferry landing.  This year, the Children’s Headquarters will again focus on educating families about ‘healthy kids’ programs in a fun and interactive way.

Once again, the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint’s will be home to the ‘Esplanade in the Shade’ stage, which will feature an exciting and eclectic mix of artists including ‘Best of the Beat’ award winners, The Honey Island Swamp Band, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Review, Sasha Masakowski and Musical Playground, Ingrid Lucia, Astral Project, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs and many more.

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 2009. 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.  April marks the start of the festival season in New Orleans and a month of beautiful weather.

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.

# # #