New Orleans is ready for the 34th Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron. The 2017 Attend to French Quarter Festival on April 6-9, 2017 to experience music from over 1,700 world-class, local musicians; food from the City's favorite restaurants at the 'The World's Largest Jazz Brunch'; and four days of fascinating special events.
Special events include Let Them Talk: Conversations on Louisiana Music, Whitney Bank Film Fest at French Quarter Fest with Cinema on the Bayou, Pirates Alley Juried Art Show, Free Dance Lessons, Opera at Dusk, and the Chevron Children's Headquarters and STEAM Zone.
Started as a small neighborhood event, the annual French Quarter Festival has grown into the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world. French Quarter Festival is one of the biggest events in the state and generates an average economic impact of nearly $190 million. In 2017, it was voted "Best Local Festival" by New Orleans Magazine readers and has also been listed as the "one thing to do in Louisiana" by the Huffington Post. Book your room at French Quarter
On Locals' Lagniappe Day, Thursday, April 6, Aaron Neville will make his debut on the riverfront Abita Beer Stage. Aaron Neville is synonymous with New Orleans, celebrated throughout the world as part of the legendary Neville Brothers and as a Grammy-winning solo artist. Funk artist Papa Mali, best known as front man for 7 Walkers (a band that includes Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and The Meters' founding bassist, George Porter Jr.) also makes his debut on the Abita Beer Stage in 2017.
Thursday April 6, the French Quarter Festival Opening Night Gala at Antoine's Restaurant will benefit the Roots of Music and The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint. Honorary Co-Chairs include: Governor John Bel Edwards, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu, and Chevron Gulf of Mexico Vice President Mark Hatfield.
Established in 1840, Antoine's, the country's oldest family-run restaurant, celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2015. During the Gala, guests will enjoy the original Main Dining Room, the Mardi Gras-themed Rex, Proteus, and 12th Night Revelers rooms, the Mystery Room, 1840 Room, the Last Room (or Tabasco Room) and the Wine Cellar, which holds approximately 25,000 bottles when fully stocked. French Quarter Festival is the only time of the year when Antoine's allows a non-profit community organization to 'take over' - celebrating the opening of French Quarter Festival at this grand Gala event.
Guests will enjoy Antoine's signature dishes, an open bar courtesy of Abita Brewing Company and Brown-Forman/Republic Beverages, and mingling with the Merry Antoinettes. The Patron Party takes place from 7-8:00 pm with entertainment from Tony Green and Gypsy Jazz. The Gala is 8-10:30 pm with entertainment provided by Players Ella and Louis Tribute Band and Sarah Quintana. Patron tickets are $250 and Gala tickets are $155 ($175 beginning April 1). Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.fqfi.org or by calling 504-227-3124.
Let Them Talk, the annual lecture series curated by Fred Kasten and Dr. Connie Atkinson featuring Louisiana musicians, will return to the Louisiana State Museum's Old U.S. Mint for the 2017 French Quarter Festival. The series provides a rare chance to hear artists speak about their life in music, such as the Saturday, April 8 session, The Continuing Reign of the Soul Queen of New Orleans: A Conversation with Irma Thomas. This year's schedule also includes: The Latin Soul and Crescent Funk of Los Po-Boy-Citos, Aloha Golden Meadow: Andre and Louis Michot on Their Musical Roots, There Is A Doctor In The House: The Life And Music Of Dr. Michael White; On The Howl With Walter "Wolfman" Washington; and A Tribute To Pete Fountain. Let Them Talk is free and open to the public.
The Chevron Children's Headquarters, featuring the Chevron STEAM Zone, will return to the Natchez Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street and the Hermann-Grima House will host two full days of family-fun on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9.
Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown said, "The Chevron STEAM Zone has fun, interactive learning stations that show kids how these subjects play a vital role in their future success. We're proud to once again bring The Chevron STEAM Zone to French Quarter Festival 2017."
A second children's area at the Hermann-Grima House will feature archaeology, crafts, giveaways, and educational projects.
FQFI and Whitney Bank continue their partnership and welcome new partner, Cinema on the Bayou, to offer Whitney Bank Film Festival at French Quarter Festival. Whitney Bank Film Fest at French Quarter Festival takes place at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré- one of the oldest community theatres in the country. Lineup includes: Dew Drop; I am the Blues; Coals to Newcastle: The New Mastersounds from Leed to New Orleans; Brother David; The River of Babylon: An Elegy for South Louisiana; Sushi and Sauce Piquante: The Life and Music of Gerry McGee; The Abita Mystery House; Songs of Souls; and By and By: New Orleans Gospel at the Crossroads.
For more information about French Quarter Festivals, Inc. or any of these events, call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org. Book your room at French Quarter. In case you need a rental car visit Auto Europe Travel Deals and Specials
Photo Credit: Zack Smith Photography
