Satchmo Summer Fest

Jazz aficionados and lovers of New Orleans cuisine can eat and dance in the French Quarter at the Satchmo Summer Fest from Aug. 3 to 5 in New Orleans. Named in honor of the late jazz musician Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong, Satchmo Summer Fest celebrates Armstrong's talent with live music, lectures, free dance classes, and savory menus from local restaurants.

Classic New Orleans culinary delights, such as creole jambalaya, homemade sweet potato pie, and po' boys are being served by Palmer's Cuisine, Vaucresson Sausage Co., and Oceana Grill. Po' boy flavors include creole hot sausage, crawfish, blackened catfish, and fried soft-shell crab.

Other dishes include grilled lemongrass chicken and crawfish egg rolls from Amy's Vietnamese Cuisine, beignets and buttermilk drops from Buttermilk Drop Bakery and Cafe, and shrimp remoulade in puff pastry from Royal House.

Refreshments, such as Abita draft beer and blueberry, watermelon, strawberry, and pineapple lemonade from Cool Fruit Sensations are also featured treats.

Seminars taking place throughout the festival include "Our Love is Here to Stay: Louis Armstrong through the Centuries," where guests learn about the perceptions and influence of Armstrong throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, and "My Friend Satchmo," where jazz musician Dan Morenstern shares experiences from his long friendship with Armstrong.

Free dancing lessons are also scheduled for those looking to learn or refine their jitterbug, second line, swing, and blues moves.