NOLA Reggae Fest: Courtesy Photo
*(New Orleans) Tens of thousands of music aficionados descended upon the Birthplace of American music for the launch of New Orleans Music Month. One of the activities is the NOLA Reggae Fest.
New Orleans Music Month is a city-wide month-long celebration of New Orleans’ vibrant music ecosystem. While New Orleans is known as the center of music culture, the music industry is also a critical component of the local economy.
Music lovers were in New Orleans for music performances, an emerging music industry conference, and numerous neighborhood festivals celebrating the taste, sounds, and spirit of New Orleans.
NOLA Reggae Fest provided some great vibes in the Big Easy. A large multicultural, diverse crowd came from all over the city, along with national and international visitors to create and enjoy lasting memories with family, friends, and fellow co-workers. People of all ages immersed themselves in contagious Jamaican-inspired fun.
New Orleans Music Month: Courtesy Photo
NOLA Reggae Fest offered the perfect setting for lively dance and music, as well as captivating art and cultural demonstrations. One couldn’t help but get caught up in the rich blend of entertainment offered at NOLA Reggae Fest.
NOLA Reggae Fest was held on Halloween Weekend, Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29, 2023. The festival was held in historic Louis Armstrong Park, 901 North Rampart Street. Festival organizers picked a perfect location for the festival. Congo Square is where it all began. The music and dances of today have a direct connection to Congo Square in New Orleans.
NOLA Reggae Fest was the final of seven, (7) events that I attended during my recent visit to the Crescent City. Who could resist the vibrant rhythms of reggae coupled with the soulful spirit of New Orleans?
NOLA Reggae Fest showcased the heart and soul of the Big Easy with an eclectic array of local vendors offering delicious food, unique crafts, and much more.
Chef Tan, Meatbawls and Food on the Fly: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
NDdindy African Cuisine: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Meat Patties and Fries: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Rene- Mommy and Me Custom Creations: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Kemay James: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Thuto Sekate and Corey Carter, CConnect 360: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Billy, One Love Unity Fashions: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Attendees immersed themselves in the magic and unifying rhythms of reggae and the warmth and Southern hospitality of New Orleans at NOLA Reggae Fest.
I was in the numbers for the first day of NOLA Reggae Fest. Joel Hitchcock served as Emcee.
Joel Hitchcock: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Jamaica Tourism Board is one of the sponsors of NOLA Reggae Festival. One lucky winner walked away with an all-inclusive trip to Jamaica!!
Andrea Chase and Christopher Wright: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Claude Bryant All Stars got the show underway with an exciting set of original tracks and cover selections. They performed “Exodus,” “Promised Land,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” and No Woman; No Cry” to name a few. This tight band consisted of Claude Bryant-keyboards/vocals, Jimmy Planells-bass, Albert Ventura-guitar, Earl Smith-drums, and special guest Shamarr Allen on trumpet.
Claude Bryant: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Claude Bryant All Stars: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Claude Bryant All Stars: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
DJ Chocolate was on deck with the ones and twos to serve up an hour-long set of infectious rhythms from the Caribbean.
DJ Chocolate: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Hailing from Canada, The Human Rights performed next, and kept the momentum moving and the party people vibing throughout their set. The group performed material from their latest EP/CD, Reggae Strong. “Reggae Strong,” “Music Like Food,” “One Thing,” and “When She’s Gone,” were several selections performed.
The Human Rights: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
The Human Rights: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Warrior King, direct from Jamaica took the festival up to another level, to close out opening night with an upbeat, high-energy set of original tracks to the delight of a captivated crowd.
Warrior King: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
NOLA Reggae Fest continued on Saturday and Sunday with some extremely talented local musicians, and national and international artists to the delight of the reggae community.
The incredible lineup for NOLA Reggae Fest featured TBC Brass Band with Mardi Gras Indians, Nando Boom (Panama), The Meditations (Jamaica), Ha Sizzle (New Orleans), Tanto Metro (Jamaica), Higher Heights (New Orleans), Kaylan Arnold (Miami), Jemere Morgan (Jamaica) and Sista Nancy (Jamaica).
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California-based writer, music reviewer, and photographer. contact him via: [email protected]
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