Special Events
Gala Fundraiser Friday, March 22, 2019
An Evening with Nicholas Payton at the Fillmore New Orleans
The annual gala serves as a fundraiser for the non-profit French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and provides fans with a direct way to support the organization. All gala guests will experience a night with Grammy-winning trumpeter Nicholas Payton, full open bar, dinner, and a silent auction. A Tribe Called Gumbolia will also bring Mardi Gras Indian drumming to the event. Honorary co-chairs are Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Vice President Mark Hatfield, and Irma Thomas. Cocktail attire.
Special Events on Thursday, April 11, 2019
French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade
Click here for parade route!
Special Events on Friday, April 12, 2019
Dance Lessons
The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will feature dancing and classes in the following: Traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, Swing Dance, Cajun Jitterbug, and Zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers. All classes, sponsored by Academy Sports+Outdoors, are free and open to the public.
Me Got Fiyo: Professor Longhair Symposium
New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint
Sponsored by: French Quarter Festivals, New Orleans Jazz Museum, Friends of the Cabildo and the Louisiana State Museum
Follow the path of Fess from his early life in Bogalusa, Louisiana to his life in New Orleans and lasting influence on rhythm and blues, Carnival, the Mardi Gras Indians, and the entire essence of the Crescent City. Experience his lasting mark on the culture itself with interviews, artifacts and performances of his iconic, timeless anthems of Mardi Gras and New Orleans. The music , the philosophies, the unique styles, the hair – all of it will hit you like the horn riffs of “Big Chief” at this engaging multi-media symposium.
11:30: Intro by David Kunian
11:45: Historical Perspective of Professor Longhair by Jason Berry
1p: Panel of Family and Friends of Fess
2pm: Caribbean Influences of Professor Longhair by Dr. Matt Sakakeeney
3:15pm: Panel of Former Bandmates of Professor Longhair (Alfred “Uganda” Roberts, Johnny Vodacovich and Tony Dagradi)
4:15pm: Keynote by Kalamu y Salaam
Special Events on Saturday, April 13, 2019
Dance Lessons
The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will feature dancing and classes in the following: Traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, Swing Dance, Cajun Jitterbug, and Zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers. All classes, sponsored by Academy Sports+Outdoors, are free and open to the public.
The Jones Walker Let Them Talk Stage
Jazz Museum at the Mint, 3rd Floor. Free and open to the public.
- Noon – Quiana Lynell interviewed by John Wirt
- 1:00 – Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers interviewed by Gwen Thompkins
- 2:00 – Luke Allen interviewed by Jennifer Odell
- 3:00 – John Boutte & Ben Schenck from Panorama Jazz Band interviewed by Michael Tisserand
- 4:00 – Jonathan Frelich & Carl LeBlanc interviewed by Jennifer Odell
- 5:00 – Alfred Banks interviewed by Slangston Hughes
The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone
Toulouse Street at the Natchez Wharf on the River — Saturday and Sunday, 11AM-5PM
Featuring the Chevron “STEM World’s Fair” with interactive, fascinating fun for families! This year’s activities will showcase each of the 7 continents, and the galaxy, while incorporating the elements of “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into hands-on learning activities for children. Community partners include: Chevron, Audubon Nature Institute, The Water Institute, Project Lead the Way, FabLab NOLA, National WWII Museum, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, Mad Science LA, STEM NOLA, Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Parks Service. Learn about the world and enjoy performances for kids and families on the National Park Service Stage!
Special Events on Sunday April 14, 2019
Dance Lessons
The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will feature dancing and classes in the following: Traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, Swing Dance, Cajun Jitterbug, and Zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers. All classes, sponsored by Academy Sports+Outdoors, are free and open to the public.
The Jones Walker Let Them Talk Stage
Jazz Museum at the Mint, 3rd Floor. Free and open to the public.
- Noon – Maggie Koerner interviewed by Gwen Thompkins
- 1:00 – Dayna Kurtz interviewed by Alison Fensterstock
- 2:00 – Robin Barnes interviewed by Alison Fensterstock
- 3:00 – James Andrews interviewed by Maurice Carlos Ruffins
The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone
Toulouse Street at the Natchez Wharf on the River — Saturday and Sunday, 11AM-5PM
Featuring the Chevron “STEM World’s Fair” with interactive, fascinating fun for families! This year’s activities will showcase each of the 7 continents, and the galaxy, while incorporating the elements of “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into hands-on learning activities for children. Community partners include: Chevron, Audubon Nature Institute, The Water Institute, Project Lead the Way, FabLab NOLA, National WWII Museum, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, Mad Science LA, STEM NOLA, Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Parks Service. Learn about the world and enjoy performances for kids and families on the National Park Service Stage!
St. Louis Cathedral Annual Spring Concert – Admission is free and open to the public. 3PM
Dancing at Dusk sponsored by Haspel – 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 The Tomcats. Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage at the Moonwalk – 6:00-7:15PM