The Festival Takes Center Stage
The 2025 French Quarter Festival kicked off on a sunny Thursday, bringing the iconic New Orleans celebration to life in Jackson Square. As the crowd gathered under the Place d’Armes Hotel’s balcony, the anticipation was palpable. With a half-dozen stages up and running, the festival’s opening day parade was a grand affair, albeit a softer affair than usual, with no Southern Sounds or Zapp’s potato chip fire engine to conclude the procession.
A Shift in Parade Traditions
The customary kick-off parade made its way down Bourbon Street, with marching krewe groups and brass bands leading the way. However, this year’s parade took a different turn, with the Harbor Police bringing up the rear instead of the Southern Sounds. The absence of the Southern Sounds, who first made a pilgrimage to the festival in 1992, and the Zapp’s potato chip fire engine, which has often concluded the parade, was notable.
Security Measures Take Center Stage
The parade’s marchers took a right at the corner of St. Ann and Chartres to enter Jackson Square in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, but the bollards and barricades blocking vehicle access to the pedestrian mall forced the Plessy band to turn left on Chartres instead. The new security measures, implemented following the deadly Bourbon Street terrorist attack in January, made it more challenging for the bands to navigate the area.
A Message of Love and Joy
Emily Madero, the president and CEO of the non-profit French Quarter Festivals Inc., welcomed attendees to the annual “love letter to New Orleans.” Deacon Richard M. Brady of the St. Louis Cathedral offered an opening prayer, followed by a “laissez le bon temps rouler” after “amen.”
Preservation Brass Sets the Tone
Preservation Brass, an offshoot of Preservation Hall’s collective of musicians, kicked off music at the square with a mix of traditional jazz standards and original compositions, including “Lucky Dog.” Saxophonist Roderick Paulin enthused, “Let the church say ‘Amen’!” when the cheer wasn’t loud enough, adding “the entire church!”
Festival Exclusive Offerings
Across the square, the offerings at the combined booths for Jacques Leonardi’s two restaurants, Crabby Jack’s and Jacques-Imo’s, included a “festival exclusive”: a crab, butter lettuce, artichoke, and citrus salad. Leonardi, a French Quarter Fest vendor since right after Hurricane Katrina, shut down Crabby Jack’s during the festival so the staff could work the food booth instead.
Schoolkids Descend on the French Quarter Festival
Holy Cross School scheduled its annual 7th-grade French Quarter field trip to coincide with the festival’s opening day. The 70 students, accompanied by parents and chaperones, were free to explore the festival’s offerings in Jackson Square. The snoball stand proved especially popular among the young crowd.
A Special Performance by WWOZ Host Cole Williams
A half-dozen staffers and volunteers from WWOZ 90.7 FM stole away from the community radio station’s studios on Jax Brewery’s fifth floor to see one of the station’s on-air hosts, Cole Williams, sing at the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage. Williams was dressed in an elegant pink dress trimmed in tulle as she fronted a deep-grooved band anchored by John “Papa” Gros on organ.
Key Points
- Over 14 stages will be operating during the festival’s 42nd annual celebration, featuring a diverse range of music and performances.
- The festival will take place from Thursday, April 25, to Sunday, April 28, with music starting at 11 am on each day.
- The Southern Sounds and Zapp’s potato chip fire engine will make a return this year, concluding the parade on Sunday.
- New security measures will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.
- The festival will feature a variety of food and drink options, including local cuisine and unique festival exclusives.
Upcoming Events
- Preservation Brass: Saturday, April 27
- Rebirth Brass Band with Kermit Ruffins: April 27
- Prince’s “Purple Rain” celebration: Friday, April 26
- WWOZ 90.7 FM: Saturday, April 27
