NEW ORLEANS – The 9th Annual Gentilly Fest, presented by Capital One Bank, will be held on October 7, 8 and 9 at the Pontchartrain Park playground, at the corner of Press and Prentiss Drive.
“Capital One Bank is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Gentilly Fest 2016,” said Karen DeBlieux, Southeast Louisiana Market President for Capital One Bank. “Our sponsorship is part of Capital One’s Gentilly Place-Based Initiative, a multi-faceted community revitalization project created by Capital One to serve as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the Gentilly neighborhoods of New Orleans.”
On Tuesday, October 4, Gentilly Fest is partnering with Capital One Bank to host, for the first time, a small business workshop for festival vendors and local small businesses. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Joseph Bartholomew Club House. On Thursday, October 6, Capital One Bank will sponsor a volunteer neighborhood clean-up day, as numerous bank volunteers will clean up, cut and haul trash from a vacant lot in the area.
On the night of Friday, October 7, the festival will kick off with an “Evening under the Stars” performance with electric violinist, Michael Ward, accompanied by the velvety voice of Philip Manuel. Special guest Leo Nocentelli of the Meters will close the concert.
On Saturday, October 8, the Main Stage acts will include: Connie G & Creole Soul, Lisa Amos, Al Ancar & Kingdom City and Ivan Neville, with a closing performance by jazz trumpeter, singer and composer, Kermit Ruffins.
Also on Saturday, the very popular Gospel Tent sponsored by Columbia Park Health Center will feature soulful performances by choirs from throughout the city. Saturday’s lineup includes: Holy Cross Lutheran, Watson Memorial, The Jones Sisters, St. Raymond/St. Leo Catholic, Pentecost Baptist, First Grace United, and the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel closing with Collage 3. Sunday’s performances include: The Royal Boys Choir, Bethel Lutheran, Val and Love Alive Mass Choir, Pastor Tyronne Jefferson and Abundant Life Tabernacle Choir, Bethel Colony South, and closing with the world famous Zion Harmonizers.
Sunday’s acts include: Latin band Son D Rumba, Zion Trinity, The New Orleans Mystics and close with R&B artist James Andrews.
The festival will offer food from local vendors and a new Senior Dining Tent courtesy of the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The Banner Chevrolet Kids Village will offer a video gaming center, face painting, storytelling and activities for everyone. Numerous artists and craft vendors will showcase and sell their wares at the Arts and Crafts booths, and there will be free medical screenings by Daughters of Charity health service providers.
Gentilly Festival, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that supports local organizations.
No outside food, drinks or pets will be allowed on the festival grounds.
