NEW ORLEANS – During the first weekend of October, the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association (HFTA) will host the 2nd Annual Tremé Fall Festival. All funds raised will benefit needed repairs and improvements to the historic St. Augustine Catholic Church. The free festival is set to take place from Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2, 2016.
"Much of the vibrant culture for which New Orleans is known for was born in the Treme' community," said Adolph Bynum Sr., one of the founders of the fest and HFTA's Cultural Committee Chair. "HFTA, and the larger Treme' Community, views the restoration and maintenance of our historical and cultural sites as our most important mission."
The 2nd Annual Tremé Fall Festival aims to showcase and celebrate the music, food and arts that are the foundation of Tremé's rich and vibrant culture, and to raise funds to support the architecture, culture and history of Tremé. The festival festivities are free.
The festival weekend begins with a patron party to be held on Friday, September 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart St., with entertainment from Christian Bold Band and Naydja Cojoe.
On Saturday, October 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Tremé Fall Fest will offer food, arts and crafts and musical performances on the grounds of St. Augustine Church and on the neighboring streets Governor Nicholls and Delille. Festival entertainers will include Tank & the Bangas, Glen David Andrews, Little Freddie King, To Be Continued Brass Band, Doreen Ketchens, Michael "Soulman" Baptiste, Zulu Connection, Casa Samba Drum line, One Beat and Ray Wimbley. Additionally, entertainment will include an all-star Treme' band made up of musicians from the neighborhood including Kermit Ruffins, Shannon Powell, James Andrews and more.
The family-friendly festival will also offer health screenings, voter registration, tours of St. Augustine Church, and activities for a variety of ages and audiences. The festival weekend will end with a gospel mass at St. Augustine Church on Sunday, October 2, at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.
Local artist Rob "Nice" Bocage, a previous NBA Pelican and current New Orleans Saints host, designed a limited edition poster that will be available for purchase.
