Satchmo SummerFest is one of the rare big events in the city that is actually for and about the people of the city. JazzFest can double the city’s population as outsiders come to revel at the Fairgrounds. Essence — great though it is — brings a party from around the country. Satchmo runs counter all that, throwing a huge party in honor of one of the city’s most-famous sons and inviting anyone who can get down to the Mint with $5 in their pocket to join in.
Five bucks isn’t a ton of money, but we still want you to feel like you got your money’s worth. All of the acts that get pulled out to SatchmoFest are great, but these stand-out sets will guarantee you have the best weekend you can when Satchmo takes over the Mint August 3-5.
TBC Brass Band
A true, blue New Orleans fest deserves one of its most representative bands. The band that formed in the high schools of the 7th and 9th ward was scattered across the country after Hurricane Katrina, fought for years to get back and have been carrying on the city’s traditions since their return earlier this decade.
When: Saturday, August 5, 7:50 p.m.
Stage: GE Digital
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk-8kipAuyV/?hl=en&taken-by=originalpinettes
The Original Pinettes Brass Band
The Pinettes stand out even before they start to lay down the funk that lights up 7th Ward mainstay Bullet’s every Friday night. You see, every last member of this outstanding brass act is a woman. It’s rare to see even one woman in a brass band so a full 10-piece of nothing but incredible ladies tearing through the hits is something to see. If you’ve never made it out for their residency, don’t miss them at The Mint
When: Saturday, August 4, 6 p.m.
Stage: Fidelity Bank
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjypzxll2Mb/?hl=en&tagged=irmathomas
Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans
That’s how she’s billed, y’all. We aren’t adding any flourishes and frankly we don’t need to. Any time you get a chance to see Irma Thomas, you take it. She’s been at it for over 50 years and “Wish Someone Would Care” still levels a room. Don’t sleep on it.
When: Sunday, August 5, 5:20 p.m.
Stage: Fidelity Bank
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlbHaJ5HqGx/?hl=en&taken-by=ashlinparker
Ashlin Parker Trumpet Mafia
What happens when everybody wants to play lead? That’s a problem Ashlin Parker has no time for. He’s done the seemingly impossible: roping together a sprawling collective of trumpet players from across the city and asking them to play together. To harmonize, even. The result is a joyously loud explosion of typical soloists figuring out how to bend their talents to fit the needs of a supergroup.
When: Sunday, August 5, 6:40 p.m.
Stage: Fidelity Bank
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlgoW34nB34/?hl=en&taken-by=calvin_johnson
Calvin Johnson and Native Son
Third-generation jazz musician Calvin Johnson has about as much claim as anyone can have on the phrase “Native Son.” He brings his inborn affinity for the sax to the Mint.
When: Saturday, August 4, 6:20 p.m.
Stage: GE Digital
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjRGqHaF8pn/?hl=en&tagged=zulusocialaidandpleasureclub
Jazz Mass
The Jazz Mass is worth stepping away from The Mint. It starts at St. Augustine Catholic Church at 11 a.m. After it ends, a stacked second line from the church will include the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Million Dollar Baby Dolls, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, Sudan Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Fi Yi Yi and Boe Monkey Red. All these groups will march down to Armstrong Park before second-lining all the way to the fest.
Where: 1210 Governor Nicholls St
When: Sunday, August 5, 11 a.m.
