French Quarter Festivals, Incorporated (FQFI) closed the ninth annual Satchmo SummerFest on August 2nd at Louisiana State Museum's Old U.S. Mint in the French Quarter.  The 2009 festival was made possible by support from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, under the leadership of Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu.
 
This year's attendance figures indicate that over 26,000 festival-goers gathered together to pay tribute to the life, legacy and music of Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong as well as to immerse themselves in the culture, food, music, and everything that New Orleans has to offer.   Even with early afternoon rain on Saturday and Sunday, the attendance numbers mirrored those of the 2008 festival.  French Quarter Festivals, Inc. organizers have already started planning the 10th anniversary celebration, which will take place August 5  - 8, 2010.
 
With the success of this year's festival, it is evident that Satchmo SummerFest has become a cherished event for locals and visitors, including a great number of international travelers.  This year's festival featured three stages of music throughout the grounds of the Louisiana State Old US Mint which included genres such as traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, and brass bands. 
 
Satchmo SummerFest features uniquely New Orleans events that take place during the festival weekend.   Beginning with the Satchmo Art show on Wednesday, incredible crowds were seen at all events.  Over one hundred attendees gathered in Armstrong Park to celebrate at the Satchmo Birthday Party.  On Sunday, patrons packed into St. Augustine Church to participate in the heralded Jazz Mass where, upon conclusion, crowds flocked into the streets to join in the second-line parade to the festival.
 
Sponsors and Community Partners for the 9th annual Satchmo SummerFest include: The State of Louisiana - Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Abita Brewing Company, Louisiana State Museum, French Market Corporation, Louis Armstrong International Airport , Higher Ground Relief Fund, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Rhodes Funeral Home, BMI, WWL-TV, nola.com, offBeat Magazine, Where Y'At Magazine, Marriott New Orleans, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, New Orleans Jazz National Park, Hard Rock Café, Harrah's New Orleans, Bernard Productions, Rouses, Lousiana Association for the Education of Young Children, Target, NOLA Box Company, New Orleans Levee, WWOZ, NewOrleans.com, New Orleans Jazz Centennial Celebration, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, North Rampart Main Street, Inc., Aidan Gill for Men, and the Contemporary Art Center (CAC).