This says it all! Torrence Taylor dances with joy, pure joy, at Joe Lastie’s Satchmo set. I mean, JOE LASTIE!

A New Orleans photographer is at home in the streets

The celebration of the life and music of New Orleans’ favorite son, Louis Armstrong, takes place on his birthday every year. In one full square block there are three stages dedicated to the influence that Satchmo has had and continues to have on the New Orleans music culture. When I say culture I mean the New Orleans music business, New Orleans music creativity, and the continued inspiration of the collective music conscience.

Norman Thomas, Grand Marshall, Zulu Steppers rolling down Rampart St on August 4th, 2019. ©Zack Smith Photography

These inspirations were all evident at the 2019 Satchmo Summerfest put on by French Quarter Festivals Inc. Look, don’t get me wrong, the music is amazing, inspired, and well organized. What I am continually blown away by is the Sunday morning second line that stretches from St. Augustine Church in the Treme to the U.S. Mint, kicking off the last day in the best way. It’s downright HOT on this Sunday, and everyone is sweating through their shirts, pants, feathers, fans and suits while dancing.

Please spread this gallery around so all can enjoy! Tag and Share with your friends!I know I am missing some names so if you see someone not credited LET ME KNOW! I am sending the gallery out to the musicians I know that are featured but please share-away! I am so forever grateful for the opportunity to create and document the heart of such a wonderful city, much less be trusted to show the spirit of Louis Armstrong!

SATCHMO FEST – Saturday, August 3rd

(Credits at the bottom)

Left to Right, Top to Bottom

Cedric Wiley’s son, Kingston sings along with the Treme Brass Band / BennyJones Sr. of the Treme Brass Band / Doreen’s Jazz / Young festival goer / Brad Walker on saxophone, performs with Robin Barnes / Shannon Powell on drums / Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown and Roderick Paulin / Dancers / Joe Ashlar on piano (don’t touch his towel) / drummer Jamal Batiste / Big Six Brass Band / Doyle Cooper plays with no power…and in the rain / AJ on rain patrol / Rain goers tough it out / Banjo player, Seva Venet / French Quarter rain / James Williams / Simon Lott on drums / Ashlin Parker rehearsing backstage / Lafayette Academy band

SATCHMO FEST Sunday, August 4th

The Zulu Steppers looked amazing at the Satchmo Fest second line, I am so grateful for them in putting this composition together for the shot!

The Treme Brass Band blows hard, giving props to Sylvester Francis at the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

This vantage point of TBC Brass Band, Sudan SAPC, dancers and Armstrong Park are my favorite moments to witness and photograph. So much going on, it’s like a one page visual book you can’t put down.

SUNDAY, August 4th gallery – credits at bottom

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Left to Right, Top to Bottom

Diane Honore Destrehan and the Black Storyville SAPC / Zulu Steppers (need name!) / Benny Jones Sr. / Black Storyville Ladies (names anyone?) Treme Brass Band / Zulu Steppers / HOT Reveler! / Treme Brass Band / TBC Brass Band / Zulu Steppers / Treme Brass Band / Need name of trombone player! / Zulu Steppers / Sudan SAPC greet the entrance of the U.S. Mint / Charlie Halloran / Tim Laughlin’s tribute to Connie Jones / Joe Lastie on drums / Torrence Taylor dances at Joe Lastie’s set! / Ashlin Parker ushers in the next generation with his Trumpet Mafia group.

want more?? SEE SATCHMO 2018 HERE!