The Harrah’s Foundation, Preservation Hall among 2008 Festival Sponsors

EW ORLEANS, La. – French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) today announced the addition of The Harrah’s
Foundation and the legendary Preservation Hall as new sponsors of the 25th anniversary of French Quarter Festival
(FQF25) taking place the weekend of April 11 -13. The organization also introduced its new executive director, Marci
Schramm; its 25th Anniversary Milestone Committee comprised of long-standing festival supporters from the
business, political and civic communities; and the launch of a newly updated festival Web site.

“The addition of The Harrah’s Foundation and Preservation Hall as 2008 festival sponsors solidifies our place as not only a world-class music and entertainment festival, but as the premier showcase of New Orleans’ unique cultural heritage,” said FQFI Executive Director, Marci Schramm.

“Additionally, Preservation Hall is providing a selection of songs for a limited edition CD to be included in the 25th anniversary festival program, as well as providing free entertainment at their legendary jazz hall throughout festival weekend,” added Schramm.

According to Jim Hoskins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s New Orleans, “As part of our ongoing commitment to the greater New Orleans community, The Harrah’s Foundation is honored to support this prestigious festival and pledge to do our part to help keep it free and fun for years to come.”

FQFI also announced a preliminary list of confirmed entertainers including: Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty, Irvin Mayfield, Fredy Omar con Su Banda, Ronnie Kole, Bruce Daigrepont, Walter Wolfman Washington, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr, Benjy Davis Project, Amanda Shaw, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Pfister Sisters, French Quarter Festival Allstars with Connie Jones and an evolution of jazz in New Orleans tribute by singers Lillian Boutte, Charmaine Neville and Holly Bensen. The final lineup of musical acts, in addition to the unveiling of the “official” 25th anniversary French Quarter Festival poster, t-shirts and jewelry, food concessions and additional sponsors, will be announced in mid-March.

The organization also introduced its “25th Anniversary Milestone Committee,” a group of festival supporters from the business, political and civic communities, who over the past 25 years have supported and nurtured what has today become the largest free music festival in the Southeast United States. Among the committee luminaries are: Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Ronnie Kole, Chris Owens, Hans Wandfluh, Bill Langkopp, Sidney Barthelemy, Stu Barash, Darryl Berger, Ruth Ann Menutis, Mike Early, Margarita Bergen, Steve Hand, Hon. Jacquelyn Clarkson, Hon. James Carter, Jerry Fein and Joseph Fein,III.

FQFI also unveiled a new, more user-friendly Web site that will allow guests worldwide to experience the festival through video, photos and interactive tools that will provide more festival information and enhance the overall guest
experience. The site, designed by festival sponsor, CompuCast Interactive, also includes a reservation search engine that will allow guests to book three-day New Orleans area hotel packages at a 25% discount in honor of the festival’s 25th anniversary.

This award-winning festival, a favorite of locals and tourists alike, is the largest free music festival in the Southeast. It was recently named a Top 10 Event by New Orleans CityBusiness and is a Top 20 Destination according to AAA and
the Southeast Tourism Society. French Quarter Festival attracts approximately 400,000 fans and generates an economic impact of more than $75 million for the city of New Orleans.

Over 15 stages throughout the French Quarter are scheduled to present the best music New Orleans has to offer, representing every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to rhythm & blues and New Orleans funk, to brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, classical and international. Many musicians that have performed over the last 25 years are being invited to return to play the 25th anniversary festival. A 25th anniversary poster, as well as commemorative
t-shirts, merchandise and jewelry will also be available for sale at the festival and online.

More than 65 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint will feature authentic local cuisine from the area’s finest restaurants to create “The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.”

Sponsors for the 25th anniversary of French Quarter Festival include: Zatarain’s, The Harrah’s Foundation,
Coca-Cola, Rouse’s Market, OffBeat Magazine, Music Performance Trust, nola.com, Cox Business, Community Coffee, Preservation Hall, NOMCVB (New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau), Vespa, Where Y’at, and Renaissance Publishing.

For more information on all FQFI festivals and events, call 504-522-5730 or visit online at www.fqfi.org.

About French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
The 25th anniversary of French Quarter Festival (FQF25), the largest free music festival in the Southeast United
States, is being produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (www.fqfi.org), the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization,
which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Christmas New Orleans Style in December. French
Quarter Festivals, Inc. 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.

About The Harrah’s Foundation
The Harrah’s Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) foundation established to provide financial support to qualified organizations in communities where Harrah’s employees live and work. Established in 2002, the Harrah’s Foundation is funded by Harrah’s Entertainment properties and supports social reinvestment programs by funding eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to seniors, education and civic programs. Since its formation, the Harrah’s Foundation has committed nearly $25 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. In 2006 alone, Harrah’s Entertainment and the Harrah’s Foundation distributed, on average, nearly $1.5 million per week to philanthropic organizations. More information is available at http://www.harrahscommunityrelations.com.

About Preservation Hall
Founded in 1961 by Alan & Sandra Jaffe, who sought to perpetuate the traditional jazz music of New Orleans, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (www.preservationhall.com) tours the country and the world as emissaries of this unique American art form.

Home to such jazz greats as Willie and Percy Humphrey, George Lewis, famed pianist Sweet Emma Barret, Kid Thomas Valentine and many others over its 45 year history, the musical legacy of the Preservation Hall Jazz Bands is being carried on by current band members Carl LeBlanc, Ralph Johnson, Joseph Lastie Jr., Rickie Monie, Frank Demond, Walter Payton, Lucien Barbarin, newcomer Clint Maedgen and Ben Jaffe.

Celebrating New Orleans Culture and Heritage for 25 years!