Louisiana
French Quarter Music Festival
Program No. 10918RJ
Immerse yourself in great music at the French Quarter Music Festival, where you’ll hear renowned musicians showcasing a range of musical styles. Come for the music stay for the cuisine.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
New Orleans, LA
Program Concludes
New Orleans, LA
Meals
10 (
4B, 1BR, 2L, 3D
)
Activity Level
You can’t get more New Orleans than this showcase for hundreds of local musicians on 14 stages throughout the historic Vieux Carré. There’s jazz, from Dixieland to contemporary, brass bands, classical, Cajun and Zydeco, rhythm and blues, gospel and everything in between. During private morning sessions, local musicians reveal the history and meaning behind their music as they perform just for you. Sample classic New Orleans cuisine from nearly 60 food and drink booths, visit private patios, enjoy fireworks over the Mississippi River, join in a “second line” parade and attend art exhibits and music workshops.
Best of all, you'll...
- Revel in three days of authentic New Orleans music at the French Quarter Festival.
- Sample the Crescent City’s famous cuisine at renowned restaurants like Bourbon House, Muriel’s, Palace Café and the Court of Two Sisters.
- Experience special performances by top New Orleans musicians.
General Notes
This is a Road Scholar Large Group program. The number of participants in this program may be as high as 90; the whole group will be together for most lectures and meals. For some activities and field trips participants will be separated into groups of no more than 45 participants. The schedule for your group may vary from the published itinerary, but each group will have an opportunity to experience all program elements. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Doreen Ketchens
Doreen Ketchens is a musician whose primary interest lies in spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world through performances and education. As the leader of the jazz band Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans, she has been called "Queen Clarinet," "The Female Louis Armstrong," and “Lady Louie” by critics who have heard her perform. Doreen's Jazz New Orleans has represented New Orleans around the world, performing in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, South America, Russia and the U.S.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Johnny Layton
Johnny Layton has been leading programs for Road Scholar since 2017. From the Florida Keys to Alaska, Johnny has led programs in 11 states and four countries. When he is not ensuring Road Scholar participants are having an amazing experience, you can find him in the sky crisscrossing the USA as a flight attendant or as a driver/guide on the Historic Trolley Tour at home in Asheville, North Carolina.
Anne Peery
Anne Peery is a Mississippi native and Tallahassee resident with experience in the Florida executive branch and cabinet staff positions; executive leadership of a statewide historic preservation non-profit; conservation real estate project management with a national non-profit organization; private sector real estate brokerage and land use consulting; and numerous state and community service activities. She was the first executive director of the Florida Communities Trust and director of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, responsible for producing major educational conferences across Florida.
Milton J. Carr
Milton Carr was born in Tremé, a cultural center of New Orleans. After studying in San Diego, Milton returned home to New Orleans where he worked for Domino Sugars. During his 33 years at Domino, he became interested in sugar cane’s connections to slavery and the economic history of the city. Milton has been a licensed New Orleans guide since 2001, and is a one-of-a-kind expert on the city's unique music, history, culture and heritage.
Robin Rocque
Robin Rocque's favorite city to share with guests is her hometown of New Orleans. Its diversely unique culture and musical background provides a lovely backdrop during its introduction. Robin has happily led groups in many cities and several countries. Robin has been a licensed New Orleans tour guide since 2004, and a certified international tour manager since 2011. She is an alumna of Vassar College, and recently served as a board member of a nonprofit organization that provides community support in and around New Orleans.
Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts was born in New Orleans and baptized in the same church as Louis Armstrong. He received his B.B.A. from Loyola University (New Orleans) and his M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. For many years he worked at Loyola University as the director of student finance. Dave started working as a New Orleans group leader in 1997. His expeditions are a blend of history, architecture, food, music, writers, movies, and current events.
Doreen Ketchens
Doreen Ketchens is a musician whose primary interest lies in spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world through performances and education. As the leader of the jazz band Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans, she has been called "Queen Clarinet," "The Female Louis Armstrong," and “Lady Louie” by critics who have heard her perform. Doreen's Jazz New Orleans has represented New Orleans around the world, performing in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, South America, Russia and the U.S.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Attending activities and meals will require up to 8 blocks of walking in each direction at a rate of 2 mph. Sidewalks are narrow, extremely crowded, and have uneven pavement. Mobility devices like scooters cannot be accommodated both on streets/ sidewalks; walkers will be extremely difficult. Some restaurants do not have elevators and will require one to walk up two flights of stairs with railings. The music festival stages are located in all directions, within a 12 block radius from the hotel. The actual required distance to walk to the stages largely depends on one's musical preference and who they want to listen to during their free time. Road Scholar will provide foldable camping style chairs that way one can sit down during the performances. Everyone is responsible for carrying their own chairs if they want to bring them.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(8 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.