Celebrating the Birthday of Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson, vocalist was born in New Orleans on October 26, 1911. She was referred to as “The Queen of Gospel” and possessed a powerful contralto voice. She experienced great success in 1947 with “Move On Up a Little Higher” which sold millions of copies. Her success led to radio and television, as well as a tour that included performing at Carnegie Hall in 1950 to a racially integrated audience. She became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. At the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, Jackson performed before King gave his ”I Have a Dream” speech. Mahalia Jackson passed away on January 27, 1972. Read more about her in the “Saints” page. We remember her immense talent on this day!

Gentilly Fest - 10/6 - 8/2023

Gentilly Fest celebrates all things "Gentilly," including continuous live music on the main stage and gospel tent. Local restaurants and caterers sell sumptuous food and an Arts and Crafts area featuring original works from a variety of craft merchants. The festival also offers children’s activities including pony rides, a kid’s village, and a variety of practical recovery information offered by local business and non-profit organizations. The Gentilly Fest is a 501c3 organization that provides monetary support to the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments that serve the Gentilly community. We also contribute to organizations that provide a recreational or cultural enrichment to our children. This year, Gentilly Fest will also donate funds to Pontchartrain Park and Milne Playground sports programs as well as The Roots of Music.

Happy Birthday, John Boutté!

Singer John Boutté was born in New Orleans on November 3, 1958. Boutté was influenced by the local culture of the 7th Ward, including jazz funerals and Mardi Gras parades, as well as by the R&B music he grew up listening to. He is the younger brother of the jazz and gospel singer Lillian Boutté, and he started his professional career by joining her on tour soon after Stevie Wonder recommended that he pursue a career in music. He is known for diverse music style that goes beyond jazz to R&B, gospel, Latin, and blues. Boutté achieved great notoriety for his "Tremé Song", which was the theme song of HBO's series, Tremé. Happy Birthday, John!

Photo by: Robbie Mendelson - originally posted to Flickr as John Boutte

Celebrating the Birthday of Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson, vocalist was born in New Orleans on October 26, 1911. She was referred to as “The Queen of Gospel” and possessed a powerful contralto voice. She experienced great success in 1947 with “Move On Up a Little Higher” which sold millions of copies. Her success led to radio and television, as well as a tour that included performing at Carnegie Hall in 1950 to a racially integrated audience. She became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. At the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, Jackson performed before King gave his ”I Have a Dream” speech. Mahalia Jackson passed away on January 27, 1972. Read more about her in the “Saints” page. We remember her immense talent on this day!

Gentilly Fest - 10/8 - 9/2022

Gentilly Fest celebrates all things "Gentilly," including continuous live music on the main stage and gospel tent. Local restaurants and caterers sell sumptuous food and an Arts and Crafts area featuring original works from a variety of craft merchants. The festival also offers children’s activities including pony rides, a kid’s village, and a variety of practical recovery information offered by local business and non-profit organizations. The Gentilly Fest is a 501c3 organization that provides monetary support to the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments that serve the Gentilly community. We also contribute to organizations that provide a recreational or cultural enrichment to our children. This year, Gentilly Fest will also donate funds to Pontchartrain Park and Milne Playground sports programs as well as The Roots of Music.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on 5/5 - 8/2/2022

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a/k/a Jazz Fest, is a cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year. It showcases unforgettable music on multiple stages, delicious Louisiana cuisine in two large food areas, and crafts artisans from the region and around the world demonstrating and selling their work. The Festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, so the music encompasses every style associated with the city and the state: blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between. And of course there is lots of jazz, both contemporary and traditional. It is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course over the course of 2 weekends, hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. NOLA time. The Heritage Fair takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, centrally located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, 10 minutes from the French Quarter.