Satchmo SummerFest is returning as a live, in-person event July 31-August 1 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum!

The young musicians of the Roots of Music will usher in the celebration with a special block party performance Saturday morning. On Sunday, Kermit Ruffins will close the festival. Satchmo SummerFest is one of the first festivals to return. This year's festival will be scaled back to two full days of music, food, celebration, and community. Tickets will be $7 in advance and $10 at the door.

“We are thrilled to announce our comeback,” said Emily Madero, CEO of FQFI. "Satchmo SummerFest is the only local festival dedicated to Louis Armstrong. In addition to being a musical genius, Armstrong was a cultural ambassador and fighter. His legacy continues to inspire and provide a source of strength as our community rebounds. We invite our fans to join us for two days of celebration - celebration of local music, culture, and resilience."

FQFI is working diligently in coordination with stakeholders, industry peers, and city officials to ensure a safe return of Satchmo SummerFest and French Quarter Fest in 2021. The 2021 festivals will be modified in order to adhere to CDC protocols and guidelines.

Admission also provides access to the Jazz Museum’s collection and exhibitions as well as the Satchmo Legacy Stage featuring discussions, and presentations by renowned Armstrong scholars.

The 2021 performers include Treme Brass Band, James Andrews, Charmaine Neville, The Nayo Jones Experience, Meschiya Lake & the Little Big Horns, Robin Barnes, and the Hot 8 Brass Band. On Sunday at 10am, the Jazz Mass will return to St. Augustine Catholic Church with a special musical tribute to Louis Armstrong. The jazz mass will also be live streamed on the church's Facebook page.

This year at the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry, scholars and historians will present on a wide range of topics surrounding all things Louis Armstrong. Festival favorite Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives and the author of What a Wonderful World, will return with a host of all-star scholars. Fans can dive deep into the life and legacy of Armstrong and learn how his craft continues to reverberate today. While inside the museum, attendees can also access five exhibits: Drumsville: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat, The Wildest! Louis Prima Comes Home, New Orleans Music Observed: The Art of Noel Rockmore & Emilie Rhys, Rick Olivier: Great-ish Hits, and From the Fat Man to Mahalia: James Michalopoulos’ Music Paintings.

This year's festival food vendors include Ajun Cajun, 14 Parishes, and Plum Street Snoballs.

The most up-to-date music, presentation, and culinary lineup can be found at satchmosummerfest.org.

"We’re excited to return to live events and continue our 38-year history with Louisiana musical artists, chefs, businesses and volunteers," Madero said. "We appreciate our partners and fans for their continued support, and we look forward to celebrating Louisiana’s incredible culture together."