Second-Line Parade Sets the Tone for the Festival
The French Quarter Fest kicks off on Thursday, April 10, with a second-line parade starting at 10 a.m. at the 200 block of Bourbon Street and making its way to Jackson Square for an opening ceremony. The parade is a quintessential New Orleans experience that features music, dancing, and a sense of community. It’s a great way to get the festival started on the right foot. Musicians and locals alike are encouraged to join in on the parade, playing their instruments and dancing along to the music. The parade route takes about an hour to complete, and it’s a fantastic way to see the sights and sounds of the French Quarter.
A Day of Music on Multiple Stages
After the parade, music starts up at 11 a.m. on six stages spread along the Riverfront and at Jackson Square and the Jax Brewery Parking lot. The stages feature a diverse range of music, from traditional New Orleans brass bands to R&B and soul. Here are some of the highlights for Thursday:
- Preservation Brass: 11:15 a.m.-12:25 p.m., NewOrleans.com Stage
- Cole Williams: 1:50-2:50 p.m., Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage
- Tuba Skinny: 2:20-3:30 p.m., NewOrleans.com Stage
- Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph: 5-6:20 p.m., Jack Daniel’s Stage
- Dirty Dozen Brass Band: 6:40-8 p.m., Abita Beer Stage
- Chapel Hart: 6:45-8 p.m., Chevron Stage
Preservation Brass Brings Traditional New Orleans Style
Preservation Brass is a group that was introduced by Preservation Hall in 2015 as an outlet for traditional-style New Orleans brass band music. The group, led by trumpeter Mark Braud, plays classic New Orleans songs, second-line spirituals, and marching tunes in the vein of Harold Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band. In January, the group released its first album, “For Fat Man,” dedicated to the late Kerry “Fatman” Hunter, who played bass drum in the band and was an established presence in the brass band community.
Cole Williams Brings Social Justice and Soul
Cole Williams is a R&B and soul musician who focuses on social justice and the importance of caring for one another. Her 2024 album, “How We Care For Humanity,” is a percussive soul record that combines her roots in Brooklyn, New York, her Jamaican heritage, and the sounds of her home in New Orleans. Williams is also a WWOZ DJ and an advocate for the unhoused community.
Tuba Skinny Brings Eclectic Jazz Sounds
Tuba Skinny is an eclectic band of talented musicians who honed their skills as street buskers. The ensemble now carries on the musical traditions of the Jazz Age, namely hot jazz, swing, blues, and ragtime. The group performs a lot of its own original material and covers old classics as well as lesser-known traditional jazz tunes.
Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph Brings High-Energy Shows
Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph is a powerful vocalist who has worked with some of the greatest musicians in the city, including bounce empresario HaSizzle and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Her shows are always high-energy and impressive affairs, and she shines on festival stages where her larger-than-life personality and performance can really stretch their legs.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band Brings Legendary Sound
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band was formed in 1977, and the original members came up under one of the city’s most influential musicians, the legendary Danny Barker. The band has become legendary themselves, helping shape the sound and style of brass band music not only in New Orleans but around the world. With nearly two dozen recordings under their belt, the Dirty Dozen continues to bring the high energy and musicality to their shows that helped launch their career in the ’80s.
Chapel Hart Brings Country Harmonies and Soul
Chapel Hart is a harmonizing country trio that finished fifth on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022. Since then, they’ve spent more time in the spotlight, including making their debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and their cousin Trea Swindle grew up singing in church in Poplarville, Mississippi, and there’s a gospel foundation to their sound. They’re taking their own approach and bringing more attention to Black voices in country music.
“It’s not about the fame, it’s about the music,” says Danica Hart. “We’re just trying to share our love of country music with everyone.”
The Festival Continues Throughout the Weekend
While Thursday’s lineup is just one part of the festival, the music will continue throughout the weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There’s something for everyone at French Quarter Fest, and it’s a great way to experience the unique culture and energy of New Orleans.
Some notable acts include
- Heritage Jazz Band
- Professor Longhair’s Estate
- Big Freedia
Get Ready for a Weekend of Music and Fun
French Quarter Fest is the perfect opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant music scene and culture. With its unique blend of traditional and modern sounds, the festival is sure to delight music lovers of all ages. So, grab a plate of gumbo, sit back, and enjoy the music!
