Satchmo SummerFest 2019
Satchmo SummerFest started in 2001 in New Orleans as a celebration of trumpet player Louis Armstrong. He was born in New Orleans on August 4th, 1901, where he lived until his early 20’s. As a youngster he formed a vocal quartet with three friends and sang for tips on the street corners of New Orleans. He bought his first trumpet around the age of six. In his mid-teens he received formal instruction from Joe Oliver, one of the premier trumpet players in New Orleans at the time.
Louis began playing with local groups in small venues around New Orleans. He worked 2 other jobs to help support his mother and sister. Louis moved to Chicago in 1922 to play in Joe Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. That is where he first recorded with Paramount and Columbia. He appeared in his first film in 1931 and the rest as they say is history.
Where’d “Satchmo” come from?
The famous Satchmo nickname originated from the size of Louis’ mouth. When he was little, his friends and relatives used to call him Satchelmouth. During a visit to Europe, Percy Brooks, the editor of Melody Maker magazine, greeted him and mispronounced the nickname as Satchmo. It stuck and Louis embraced the name. He inscribed it on trumpets and used it on his personal stationery.
What to expect at the Satchmo SummerFest
The Festival features three stages and non-stop fun. With performances from 11am-9pm every day there is something for everyone. Big 6 Brass Band, Ellis Marsalis and Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet will be there, just to name a few. And don’t forget the food! Beverages for children and adults will be served. You can dine on selections from Café Dauphine, Congreso Cubano, The Company Burger and Rusty Pelican among others. And don’t forget to finish off with a Snowball from Plum Street Snowballs, a staple of New Orleans summer fare.
In addition there are children’s activities at Pop’s Playhouse. Also, if you are an Armstrong history buff, there will be fascinating daily discussions by scholars from 11am-6pm on the 3rd floor of the museum. The Satchmo SummerFest runs August 2-4 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint on Esplanade Avenue. Daily admission is a modest $6.
Between your trips to the Fest take a walk with The Savvy Native. Historically accurate, entertaining, memorable and always a good time! That’s New Orleans with The Savvy Native. New Orleans Best Tour Experience. We would love to show you around!
photo credit: Archives de la Ville de Montréal Louis Armstrong et le tromboniste Tyree Glenn en spectacle à la Place des Nations, 8 septembre 1968, VM94-EX137-1058 via photopin (license)