Gentilly Fest set to celebrate 15 years of ‘all things Gentilly’
The New Orleans Mystics will perform Sunday on the Main Stage. (Gentilly Messenger file photo)
The community is invited to celebrate Gentilly Fest’s 15th anniversary in October. Since 2008, Gentilly Fest has presented “all things Gentilly” with a weekend of free continuous live music. In addition to New Orleans music, local restaurants and caterers sell sumptuous food and an arts and crafts area features original works from a variety of vendors.
From Friday, Oct. 6, to Sunday, Oct. 8. the Pontchartrain Park playground, at the corner of Press and Prentiss Drive, hosts the weekend of music, food and family fun.
With live music on the Main Stage, Gospel Tent and Kids Stage, the annual festival showcases what makes our city special: great neighborhoods and world-class music, artists and food. The Gentilly Fest will close out with a 50th year anniversary tribute to hip-hop.
Jackie Williams and Patrice Garapaldi dance to during the 10th annual Gentilly Festival. (Gentilly Messenger file photo)
Friday night, Oct. 6
At 6 p.m. the festival will kick off the “Jazz under the Stars” concert sponsored in partnership with Love Notes Music & Arts Foundation and the New Orleans Cultural Tourism Fund. The musical lineup begins with DJ Juane Jordan, Zahira Sims Collective, Cole Williams, and Nayo Jones Experience and is hosted by our special guest Malik Mingo of WWL-TV ‘s Great Day Louisiana.
Saturday, Oct. 7
The festival’s first full day begins at noon on Saturday. The Main Stage acts include DJ/host Kristi “Sugar Cookie” Coleman of Fox 8 News, Vybe into our Reality, Rick David and the Funky 5, Letrainiump, Jamal Batiste Band, Flagboy Giz, James Andrews and HaSizzle.
The popular Gospel Tent, sponsored by St. Thomas Community Health Center, will feature soulful performances by choirs from throughout the city. Saturday’s lineup includes Anointed Joylettes, St. Raymond and St. Leo Choir, Akia Nevills, Grace United Methodist, Watson Memorial, Zulu Ensemble, Greater St. Stephen FGBC Choir, Tyronne Foster and The Arc Singers.
Sunday, Oct. 8
The Main Stage will feature host DC Paul, DJ B Sharp, MJ of NOLA, Mystic Krewe Of Femme Fatale’s Cherchez La Femme, Wanda Rouzan and a Taste of New Orleans, the New Orleans Mystics and Kermit Ruffins. The Gentilly Fest will close out with a 50th year Anniversary tribute to Hip-Hop, curated by Raj Smoove.
At the Gospel Tent, Sunday’s lineup is Park Community Choir, Men of Bethel Colony Transformational Ministries, Lady Felicia Travis, Shades of Praise, Craig Adams and Voices of New Orleans, Jeffrey Pelean and Creative to Worship, Bishop Tyronne Jefferson and The Abundant Life FGBC Choir.
Wendy Reed and Mark Harris came to New Orleans for their first time from London and stayed all three days of Gentilly Fest. (Gentilly Messenger file photo)
The entire weekend has something to offer for everyone. The Kids Village will provide a Kids Entertainment Stage showcasing our talented youth, face painting, storytelling and family activities.
The festival offers delicious food from local vendors and caterers. This year, Folgers Coffee will offer festival attendees a chance to enjoy a cold or hot cup of their world-famous coffee products.
The latest resources and information will be available throughout the festival at the Dillard University Community Center’s Wellness tent. Visit the tent and get a Q&A with Dr. Corey Hebert and other health service providers.
Numerous arts and crafts vendors will showcase and sell their creations at colorful booths.
The Gentilly Fest began in 2008 after Gentilly community leaders realized that their first responders did not have funds to adequately equip their facilities. They formed the nonprofit Gentilly Festival Inc. to raise funds to help support first responders, promote small business and raise awareness of the economic opportunities in the Gentilly area.
This year Gentilly Fest will implement a $500 book voucher drawing to local university students who volunteer at least 16 hours of service at the festival. For more details email Jimmy Stokes at edgewoodpark@yahoo.com.
General admission to the festival is free to all (donations are encouraged). Parking is available for $20 each day. The VIP Experience is $75 per day or $125 for a two-day pass. It includes special seating, refreshments, two beverages and parking.
No outside food or drinks or pets will be allowed on the festival grounds. For more information, visit www.GentillyFestival.
Festival hours:
Friday, Oct. 6: 6 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 7: noon – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 8: noon – 8 p.m.
Stilt-walkers dance to James Andrews at Gentilly Fest. Andrews closes out the Main Stage on Saturday. (Gentilly Messenger file photo)
