What’s Cooking Wednesday Food Demonstration at 419 Decatur St

What's Cooking WednesdayFood DemonstrationWednesday at 12:00 noon At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans Learn about New Orleans history and culture while observing a cooking demonstration. Taste a sample of the food at th......More

What's Cooking WednesdayFood DemonstrationWednesday at 12:00 noon At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans Learn about New Orleans history and culture while observing a cooking demonstration. Taste a sample of the food at the end of the demonstration.This program is free and open to the public.

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Sam Kuslan at 419 Decatur St

Jazz Piano Hour with Sam KuslanWednesday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New OrleansSam Kuslan, an enthralling singer and pianist, exudes an invigorating musical passion on the stage. He performs with a lush romantic m......More

Jazz Piano Hour with Sam KuslanWednesday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New OrleansSam Kuslan, an enthralling singer and pianist, exudes an invigorating musical passion on the stage. He performs with a lush romantic musicality, a soulful voice and ebullient smile. Inspired by the great American songbook and raised by the energetic New Orleans tradition, Sam is an amalgam of classic and contemporary pop – a refreshed and renewed music that lives somewhere in between jazz and pop and promises to honor and innovate tradition.Sam tours extensively in the USA and Europe, either as a featured artist with jazz-funk Naughty Professor or as a sideman with Nashville Country/American-folk artist Sean McConnell He’s highly sought after as an arranger, artist or performer for his musical versatility having shared the stage with Anders Osborne, Marcus King, Chali 2na, Shaun Martin, Isaiah Sharkey, Leroy Jones, David Shaw and many more. Sam writes and records with Alex Ebert (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes).This program is free and open to the public.

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Adonis Rose Lagniappe Sessions with Rex Gregory

Thursday, April 30 at 1:00 PM  Adonis Rose Lagniappe Sessions with Rex Gregory  419 Decatur StreetJoin this lively discussion and performance with the Adonis Rose Quartet presented by Cold Plunge Records and moderated by Saran Bynum. Led by the great New Orleans drummer......More

Thursday, April 30 at 1:00 PM  Adonis Rose Lagniappe Sessions with Rex Gregory  419 Decatur StreetJoin this lively discussion and performance with the Adonis Rose Quartet presented by Cold Plunge Records and moderated by Saran Bynum. Led by the great New Orleans drummer, Adonis Rose, visitors should expect an interview with the musicians followed by a performance. Adonis Rose is a Grammy-award winning artist, composer, educator, and producer from the city of New Orleans and has played and recorded with the biggest names in Jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Harry Connick, Jr., and Wynton Marsalis.A New Orleans based saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, Rex Gregory has performed and/or recorded with a diverse array of luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Rickie Lee Jones, Jason Marsalis, Dr. John, Derek Smith aka Pretty Lights, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Stanton Moore, Herlin Riley, and many others. 

Talkin’ Jazz with Fred Kasten: In Concert with Courtney Bryan at 419 Decatur St

Talkin' Jazz with Fred Kasten:In Concert  with Courtney BryanThursday at 3:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans Talkin' Jazz with Fred Kasten: In Concert is a captivating blend of interesting talk and great music f......More

Talkin' Jazz with Fred Kasten:In Concert  with Courtney BryanThursday at 3:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans Talkin' Jazz with Fred Kasten: In Concert is a captivating blend of interesting talk and great music featuring top jazz artists in New Orleans, hosted monthly by award-winning radio producer and interviewer Fred Kasten. This event will be a mix of interview and live performance. Fred Kasten is an independent contributing radio producer/host at WWNO. After working at WWNO for over 20 years as an on-air talent, producer, and program director, Fred retired from full-time work in May of 2007. Fred is a native of Mobile, Alabama, a graduate of the University of Alabama, and a long-time resident of New Orleans. In addition to his work at WWNO, Fred develops independent audio projects from a home studio, producing radio features, commercials, and podcasts. Fred also does marketing and media consulting for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.A native of New Orleans, Courtney Bryan is pianist and composer. She is a Steinway Artist and 2023 MacArthur Fellow, and currently serves as composer-in-residence with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Bryan’s work has been presented in a wide range of venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Miller Theatre, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery of Art, Blue Note Jazz Club, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Her compositions have been performed by Opera Philadelphia (Composer in Residence, 2022-2024), the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (Creative Partner, 2020–2023), Jacksonville Symphony (Mary Carr Patton Composer-In-Residence, 2018–2020), London Sinfonietta, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Chicago Sinfonietta, Quince Ensemble as part of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra MusicNOW series, American Composers Orchestra, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, New York Jazzharmonic, Spektral String Quartet, and Talea Ensemble.This program is free and open to the public.  

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Johnette Downing Family Music Series at our Dutch Alley Performance Space

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Parkin partnership with The French MarketpresentsFamily Music with Johnette Downingon the First Friday of the Month at 11:00 amat our Dutch Alley Performance Space916 N Peters StMusician and published author Jonhette Downing’s Lo......More

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Parkin partnership with The French MarketpresentsFamily Music with Johnette Downingon the First Friday of the Month at 11:00 amat our Dutch Alley Performance Space916 N Peters StMusician and published author Jonhette Downing’s Louisiana Roots Music for Children provides a culturally immersive presentation for children, school groups, play groups, and families about the rich musical heritage of the region from jazz to zydeco with interactive songs like “Who Got the Baby in the King Cake?,” “Today is Monday in Louisiana,” and “Give Me That Zydeco.” Johnette is the recipient of the 2017 Louisiana Writer Award. Her original Louisiana roots music is a joyful experience for children and parents alike, with plenty of opportunites for kids to two-steop and sing along. The author of twelve recordings and thirty books, she has performed on five continents. 

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Dutch Alley Performance Space - 916 N. Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116. In Dutch Alley, behind the shops on North Peters Street. Next to the Dutch Alley Artist Co-Op and the Marché event space.

Jason Danti and the Krewe de Bechet at 419 Decatur St

Jason Danti and the Krewe de BechetFriday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LAJason Danti is a skilled jazz musician known for his talent on the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Jason has received a Bachelor'......More

Jason Danti and the Krewe de BechetFriday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LAJason Danti is a skilled jazz musician known for his talent on the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Jason has received a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance from the University of Texas and a Master's degree in Music from the University of New Orleans. Jason has played music alongside notable names like KennyGarrett, Randy Brecker, Ellis Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Danilo Perez, etc. Jason is the reed player for the DUKES of Dixieland and can be found creating musical contributions aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Krewe de Bechet is a New Orleans jazz band actively recreating the music of Sidney Bechet.This program is free and open to the public. 

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Drum Circle with the Wesley Phillips at 419 Decatur St

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve  present a Drum Circle with Wesley PhillipsSaturday at 10:30 am At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center 419 Decatur Street New Orleans LA Join us for an int......More

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve  present a Drum Circle with Wesley PhillipsSaturday at 10:30 am At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center 419 Decatur Street New Orleans LA Join us for an interractive drum & dance circle as we honor those who came before us. Play drums and learn about our cultural history and the legacy of Congo Square in New Orleans.Wesley Phillips is New Orleans born and raised. He began playing drums with the Desire Poets after hearing the Last Poets records during the Black Panther movement in the Ninth Ward. Phillips has studied and performed with Kidd Jordan Sun Ra Energy Funk Band Desire Community Choir Casa Samba African Dance Groups Free Spirit Culu Nkafu and Sacred Dance Ministry and Fi Yi Yi and the Mandingo Warriors. Phillips is a poet author drum maker teacher and designer with 50 years as The Ultimate Sideman. In 2013 he wrote and produced The Spirit of the Drum in Senegal West Africa. In 2017 this production marked his Jazz Fest debut as a band leader. This drum circle is open to all ages. No experience required.  This program is free and open to the public.   

At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Huntley McSwain Trio at 419 Decatur St

Huntley McSwain TrioSaturday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LAJoin us for an afternoon concert led by local musician Huntley McSwain.This program is free and open to the public. 

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Arrowhead Jazz Band with Christien Bold and Tim Brown II at 419 Decatur St

Arrowhead Jazz Bandwith Christien Bold and Tim Brown IITuesday at 3:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St New Orleans The Arrowhead Jazz Band brings together National Park Service Rangers and local musicians to perform tradition......More

Arrowhead Jazz Bandwith Christien Bold and Tim Brown IITuesday at 3:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St New Orleans The Arrowhead Jazz Band brings together National Park Service Rangers and local musicians to perform traditional New Orleans jazz blues gospel and original compositions.Join New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Rangers Jade Perdue (vocals/keyboards) Matt Hampsey (guitar) Kerry Lewis Sr. (bass) and Hunter Miles Davis (drums) and Intern Saskia Walker (vocals) with special guest musicans Tim Brown II (percussion/vibraphone) and Christien Bold (vocals) for an exploration of jazz music styles.Christien Bold a rising young vocalist and New Orleans native has performed with the Ellis Marsalis Trio the Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson Quintet and Jesse McBride & Next Generation. This program is free and open to the public.

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Larry Sieberth at 419 Decatur St

Jazz Piano Hour with Larry SieberthWednesday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New OrleansLarry Sieberth is a multi-talented solo pianist, sideman, accompanist, composer, and producer who is most at home in the jazz idio......More

Jazz Piano Hour with Larry SieberthWednesday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New OrleansLarry Sieberth is a multi-talented solo pianist, sideman, accompanist, composer, and producer who is most at home in the jazz idiom, but who adeptly performs across the musical spectrum. He currently tours and performs with Gerald French and the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band and with jazz singers Germaine Bazzle and Lena Prima (daughter of Louis). He has performed with a wide variety of local and internationally known musicians, including Johnny Adams, Charles Neville, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Tony Dagradi, Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, Victor Goines, Don Vappie, Gatemouth Brown, Badal Roy, Hamid Drake, the Corpus Christi and Baton Rouge Symphonies, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and Jason Marsalis.This program is free and open to the public.

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Jazz Program at 419 Decatur St

Jazz Program with Local Musicians Thursday at 3:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans  This program is free and open to the public.

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Johnette Downing Family Music Series at our Dutch Alley Performance Space

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Parkin partnership with The French MarketpresentsFamily Music with Johnette Downingon the First Friday of the Month at 11:00 amat our Dutch Alley Performance Space916 N Peters StMusician and published author Jonhette Downing’s Lo......More

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Parkin partnership with The French MarketpresentsFamily Music with Johnette Downingon the First Friday of the Month at 11:00 amat our Dutch Alley Performance Space916 N Peters StMusician and published author Jonhette Downing’s Louisiana Roots Music for Children provides a culturally immersive presentation for children, school groups, play groups, and families about the rich musical heritage of the region from jazz to zydeco with interactive songs like “Who Got the Baby in the King Cake?,” “Today is Monday in Louisiana,” and “Give Me That Zydeco.” Johnette is the recipient of the 2017 Louisiana Writer Award. Her original Louisiana roots music is a joyful experience for children and parents alike, with plenty of opportunites for kids to two-steop and sing along. The author of twelve recordings and thirty books, she has performed on five continents. 

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Dutch Alley Performance Space - 916 N. Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116. In Dutch Alley, behind the shops on North Peters Street. Next to the Dutch Alley Artist Co-Op and the Marché event space.

Amina Figarova with Faith Collin and Mallay Mulbah at 419 Decatur St

Amina Figarova with Faith Collin and Mallay MulbahFriday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LAAmina Figarova was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and as a child studied to be a classical concert pianist. She graduat......More

Amina Figarova with Faith Collin and Mallay MulbahFriday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LAAmina Figarova was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and as a child studied to be a classical concert pianist. She graduated from the Baku Conservatory as classical concert pianist. In 1990, she entered Rotterdam Conservatory to pursue jazz, coming to the United States in 1992 to complete her formal education at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. In 1998 she was invited to the Thelonious Monk Institute’s summer jazz colony in Aspen.Faith Collin and Mallay Mulbah are from Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa and have sung with the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, which has toured the USA on some of the country's most prominent jazz stages. The purpose of the choir is to provide free education and prevent child trafficking for the poorest children in the world living in poverty. The two young women are now studying jazz at Delgado Community College here in New Orleans.This program is free and open to the public. 

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

New Orleans Master Crafts Guild Tabling and "Ancestral Artistry" Documentary Film Screening at 419 Decatur St

New Orleans Master Crafts Guild Tablingand a screening of the Documentary FilmAncestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana ArchitectureSaturday May 16 - 10:00 am to 1:30 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Dec......More

New Orleans Master Crafts Guild Tablingand a screening of the Documentary FilmAncestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana ArchitectureSaturday May 16 - 10:00 am to 1:30 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St New Orleans     10:00 am – 12:00 pm – New Orleans Master Crafts Guild TablingMembers of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild including Jonn Hankins Founder/Executive Director NOMCG Jeff Poree Master Plasterer Darryl Reeves Master Blacksmith and Karina Roca 5-year Blacksmith Apprentice will have tables in the visitor center and be available to discuss their work. There will be hands-on activities for visitors.12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – “Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana Architecture” Documentary FilmAncestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture explores a powerful yet often overlooked legacy. Produced by the Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF) this documentary traces 300 years of building traditions brought by enslaved Africans to French colonial Louisiana—crafts like carpentry masonry ironwork and plastering that shaped the region’s iconic architecture. Passed down through generations these trades empowered Louisiana’s Creoles of Color offering wealth and social mobility in a time of widespread racial inequality.The film connects the past to the present through master craftsmen Jeff Poree Darryl Reeves and the late Teddy Pierre who are working to preserve these endangered traditions and mentor the next generation. Ancestral Artistry is both a celebration and a call to action—to honor this heritage before it fades.Following the one-hour film there will time for questions and answers with members of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild including Jonn Hankins Founder/Executive Director NOMCG Jeff Poree Master Plasterer Darryl Reeves Master Blacksmith and Karina Roca 5-year Blacksmith Apprentice.This screening is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Louisiana Architecture Foundation and the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild.This film was made possible by grants and generous donors. The LAF reserves special thanks to the film’s initial donors and partners AIA Louisiana and the Louisiana State Office of Cultural Development | Department of Culture Recreation & Tourism.This program is free and open to the public.

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ranger Talk at 419 Decatur St

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and......More

Join Rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place. Each talk is "Ranger's Choice." The topics will vary by day and by ranger.This ranger talk takes place at 10:00 am at the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St  New Orleans LA.Free.No reservations required.    

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Drum Circle with the Wesley Phillips at 419 Decatur St

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve  present a Drum Circle with Wesley PhillipsSaturday at 10:30 am At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center 419 Decatur Street New Orleans LA Join us for an int......More

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve  present a Drum Circle with Wesley PhillipsSaturday at 10:30 am At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center 419 Decatur Street New Orleans LA Join us for an interractive drum & dance circle as we honor those who came before us. Play drums and learn about our cultural history and the legacy of Congo Square in New Orleans.Wesley Phillips is New Orleans born and raised. He began playing drums with the Desire Poets after hearing the Last Poets records during the Black Panther movement in the Ninth Ward. Phillips has studied and performed with Kidd Jordan Sun Ra Energy Funk Band Desire Community Choir Casa Samba African Dance Groups Free Spirit Culu Nkafu and Sacred Dance Ministry and Fi Yi Yi and the Mandingo Warriors. Phillips is a poet author drum maker teacher and designer with 50 years as The Ultimate Sideman. In 2013 he wrote and produced The Spirit of the Drum in Senegal West Africa. In 2017 this production marked his Jazz Fest debut as a band leader. This drum circle is open to all ages. No experience required.  This program is free and open to the public.   

At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture" Documentary Film Screening at 419 Decatur St

Screening of the Documentary FilmAncestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana ArchitectureSaturday May 16 - 12:00 noon to 1:30 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St New Orleans     12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ......More

Screening of the Documentary FilmAncestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana ArchitectureSaturday May 16 - 12:00 noon to 1:30 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St New Orleans     12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – “Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana Architecture” Documentary FilmAncestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture explores a powerful yet often overlooked legacy. Produced by the Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF) this documentary traces 300 years of building traditions brought by enslaved Africans to French colonial Louisiana—crafts like carpentry masonry ironwork and plastering that shaped the region’s iconic architecture. Passed down through generations these trades empowered Louisiana’s Creoles of Color offering wealth and social mobility in a time of widespread racial inequality.The film connects the past to the present through master craftsmen Jeff Poree Darryl Reeves and the late Teddy Pierre who are working to preserve these endangered traditions and mentor the next generation. Ancestral Artistry is both a celebration and a call to action—to honor this heritage before it fades.Following the one-hour film there will time for questions and answers with members of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild including Jonn Hankins Founder/Executive Director NOMCG Jeff Poree Master Plasterer Darryl Reeves Master Blacksmith and Karina Roca 5-year Blacksmith Apprentice.This screening is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Louisiana Architecture Foundation  the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve.This film was made possible by grants and generous donors. The LAF reserves special thanks to the film’s initial donors and partners AIA Louisiana and the Louisiana State Office of Cultural Development | Department of Culture Recreation & Tourism.Before the film screening (from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon) members of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild including Jonn Hankins Founder/Executive Director NOMCG  Jeff Poree Master Plasterer  Darryl Reeves Master Blacksmith and Karina Roca 5-year Blacksmith Apprentice will have tables in the visitor center and be available to discuss their work. There will be hands-on activities for visitors.This program is free and open to the public. Key Castmembers Who Will be at the Q& A: Darryl A. Reeves  Master Blacksmith  New Orleans LouisianaDarryl A. Reeves is a renowned blacksmith and metal artist based in New Orleans Louisiana. With a career spanning over three decades Reeves has become a pivotal figure in preserving and advancing the traditional craft of blacksmithing in the region. His work blends functional design with artistic expression embodying the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans while infusing it with his distinct vision. Known for his intricate ironwork on gates balconies and fences Reeves draws inspiration from the city’s architectural legacy and the African and Creole influences that shaped it. His dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity has earned him a loyal following among collectors architects and preservationists alike.In addition to his creative practice Reeves is a passionate educator and advocate for traditional metalworking techniques. Through his apprenticeship program sharing his expertise with the next generation of artisans and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of blacksmithing. His work has been featured in exhibitions documentaries and publications celebrating his role in sustaining the cultural and architectural identity of New Orleans. Whether restoring historic structures or creating bespoke designs Darryl A. Reeves continues to forge a lasting legacy one that honors the past while inspiring future innovation. Jeffrey M. Poreé: Master Plasterer and Keeper of New Orleans' Craft HeritageJeffrey M. Poreé is a celebrated fourth-generation master plasterer whose artistry has helped preserve and restore the architectural splendor of New Orleans. With over 50 years of experience Poreé is a vital steward of the traditional craft of ornamental plasterwork a hallmark of the city's historic buildings. From intricate ceiling medallions to decorative cornices his meticulous craftsmanship captures the elegance and sophistication of New Orleans' iconic interiors. Deeply influenced by the African and Creoles of Color artisans who shaped the city’s unique architectural landscape Poreé's work is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a testament to his own dedication to excellence.Through workshops apprenticeships and public education initiatives he has trained numerous craftspeople and inspired a renewed interest in the art of plastering. His expertise is sought after for high-profile restoration projects including some of the most revered landmarks in New Orleans ensuring their beauty and authenticity for generations to come. Jeffrey M. Poreé's commitment to his craft and community has cemented his place as a guardian of the city's cultural and architectural heritage combining timeless techniques with a deep respect for history. Jonn E. Hankins  Founder of New Orleans Master Crafts Guild  New Orleans LouisianaJonn E Hankins is a historian and co-founder of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild having previously held the positions of Executive Director of the New Orleans African American Museum Development Director of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and Principal Development Officer for Corporate and Community Affairs at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Hankins has been an advocate for the revival of the traditional building trades for over a decade since he directed “Raised to the Trade: Creole Building Arts of New Orleans” at NOMA an award winning exhibition and oral history research project about the family legacies of the master craftsmen who built and maintain the built environment of New Orleans. He holds a BA in Journalism/Advertising and a Master of Business Administration.

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Silver Lining Serenaders at 419 Decatur St

The Silver Lining SerenadersSaturday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St New Orleans LAA vibrant musical ensemble based in New Orleans The Silver Lining Serenaders embrace the city’s active swing music scene with a repertoi......More

The Silver Lining SerenadersSaturday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center419 Decatur St New Orleans LAA vibrant musical ensemble based in New Orleans The Silver Lining Serenaders embrace the city’s active swing music scene with a repertoire heavy on vintage jazz swing and Western swing. This collective of passionate musicians anchored by violinist Ella Thomasine and guitarist Scott Stobbe are popular along the Frenchmen Street corridor and beyond capturing the essence of New Orleans' musical legacy by blending infectious rhythms soulful melodies and a jubilant atmosphere that inspires listeners and dancers.Most commonly performing as a trio or quartet with bass and clarinet and playing music from the 1920's 30's & 40's. Perfect for swing dancing or simply relaxing and enjoying the music.This program is free and open to the public. 

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130