French Quarter Festival, the largest showcase of Louisiana food and music in the world, kicked off yesterday and continues until Sunday, April 12, 2015. The festival, which started as a neighborhood festival and ‘locals’ event’, has grown into the largest showcase of Louisiana music and food in the world, with an economic impact of over $251 million. The festival continues today with the opening of the new Spanish Plaza stage and expanded Film Fest presented by Timecode:NOLA.
Additional Friday highlights include a 10:45 a.m. tribute to Pete Fountain in Jackson Square with an early birthday cake that turns 85 this summer and one-of-a-kind "Pete throws;" musical performances by Imra Thomas, The Write Brothers, Eric Lindell, The Doghill Stompers, and The Original Pinettes Brass Band.
The 2015 French Quarter Festival will feature over 1,700 local artists. Festival-organizers remain committed to growing the Musician Sponsorship Program; every dollar donated to the fund goes directly to the artists. In 2014, a total of over 250 individuals, foundations, and businesses signed up to support local musicians by ‘adopting an artist’. Sponsors come from all over the United States – from California to Maryland – and are helping to keep French Quarter Festival free for the community.
For the 2015 French Quarter Festival, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and Timecode:NOLA continue their partnership and offer Film Festival at French Quarter Festival. Due to its incredible popularity, the event (free and open to the public) expands to include Friday films. Film Fest at French Quarter Festival takes place at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, one of the oldest community theatres in the country.
Visit fqfi.org for full Film Fest at French Quarter Festival schedule.
