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.

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At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking 6-8 city blocks per day.

What You'll Learn

  • 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Johnny Layton
Johnny Layton View biography
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.
Profile Image of Anne Peery
Anne Peery View biography
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.
Profile Image of Milton Carr
Milton J. Carr View biography
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.
Profile Image of Lyndel Brauninger
Lyndel Brauninger View biography
Lyndel Brauninger, a native New Orleanian, is a retired educator who taught in the metropolitan New Orleans area for more than 30 years. Besides leading Road Scholar groups, she leads walking “foodie” groups in the French Quarter, where she has been a licensed exploration leader since 1996. Lyndel enjoys experiencing and learning everything the Crescent City has to offer, particularly the architecture, history, music, food, and amazing theater. She is thrilled to share her passion for New Orleans with people from all over the world.
Profile Image of Robin Rocque
Robin Rocque View biography
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.
Profile Image of Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts View biography
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.
Profile Image of Doreen Ketchens
Doreen Ketchens View biography
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.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
10 meals
4 B 1BR 2 L 3 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
New Orleans, LA
D
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00PM. The French Quarter Festival events take place at locations spread throughout the area. Expect to walk extensively to access the stage locations. Road Scholar will provide a folding chair to carry with you to festival stages.

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, check the message board for the location to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures and answer questions. In order to keep group sizes smaller on field trips and at some restaurants, everyone will be divided into two groups, the Beignets and Cafe au Lait. Please make sure you indicate on your account if you are traveling with any friends, that way we can ensure you are in the same groups. Groups will be listed in accounts 10 days prior to the start date. In addition to the main event of this program, the French Quarter Festival, exclusive Road Scholar educational presentations and performances enhance your experience and learning in New Orleans. Your Group Leader will provide maps and “insider” information to assist you to navigate and choose from the extensive festival offerings and make the most of your time. For detailed festival information and to start planning in advance of your arrival in New Orleans, visit the festival website at https://frenchquarterfest.org. There is also an app that can be downloaded to your smartphone to help you navigate the many offerings. Menu selections for included meals are made in advance. In order to be prepared for your upcoming program, we need to collect some menu choices ahead of the program. https://forms.office.com/r/uTcuMS6340 Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences.

Dinner: In a private room at the hotel. We’ll enjoy a special musical performance by the Tom Fischer Trio as we dine.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars. Then settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Exclusive Performance, City Field Trip, Festival Begins
New Orleans, LA
B,L
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach during the city field trip. The field trip will last 3.5 hours and with a short bathroom break about half way through. Walking and standing according to your personal discretion to attend your choices of festival performances.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We'll have a private Cajun music performance provided by the Lee Benoit Family Band Afterwards, we’ll head over to Bourbon St. on foot to view the French Quarter Festival Kick-Off Parade. Next, we’ll meet our motorcoach to head to lunch and our field trip.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll reboard our motorcoach for an overview of the city with a local expert. We’ll make stops at highlights such as Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, City Park with its magnificent oak trees and Sculpture Garden and one of the famed and mysterious above-ground cemeteries where the departed — from pirates to voodoo queens — are interred. We will return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the French Quarter Festival performances. The French Quarter Music Festival, the largest free music festival in the South, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization launched in 1984. More than 2,000 community volunteers now help to make it a success. The outstanding musicians present every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, cabaret, and international. There are more than 400 performances on 23 stages throughout the French Quarter over four days, the largest celebration in the world of Louisiana music.

Dinner: Your choice to dine as you like. The choices are many, as local restaurants set up special stands in Jackson Square, Riverfront Park and many other locations. The “food festival” aspect is celebrated just as much as the live music.

Evening: At leisure to enjoy the festival. Additionally, an entrance voucher is included for Fritzel’s European Jazz Club, for you to use at your discretion (drink included).

DAY
3
Private Music Performance, French Quarter Music Festival
New Orleans, LA
B,L,D
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Walking and standing according to your personal discretion to attend your choices of festival performances.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll enjoy another Road Scholar exclusive performance by local clarinetist, Doreen Ketchens.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in the French Quarter.

Afternoon: Free Time to enjoy the festival. Additionally, Road Scholar includes vouchers to explore the Cabildo and Presbytère, which flank St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Both were constructed during the Spanish period (1795-1799). The Cabildo was the center of government. The Presbytère, built on the site of what had been the residence of Capuchin monks, was used for commercial purposes. Both are now key components of the Louisiana State Museum. The Cabildo displays artifacts of American history as well as rarities such as Napoleon’s death mask. The Presbytère’s interactive exhibit on Mardi Gras traces our annual celebration from its origins to the present day with an exquisite collection of artifacts and memorabilia. Another exhibit expresses Louisiana’s saga of resilience in the face of disasters. You might also like to stroll along Royal Street with its antique shops, visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, or go for a ride on the paddlewheeler “Natchez” — last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi.

Dinner: For this evening's dinner, one group will have this meal at a local restaurant in the French Quarter, while the other will have the meal on their own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions, and will alert you to which group has this free meal during orientation.

Evening: At leisure to enjoy the festival performances.

DAY
4
Private Jazz Performance, French Quarter Festival, Free Time
New Orleans, LA
B
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Walking and standing according to your personal discretion to attend your choices of festival performances and free time activities.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Snap your fingers and tap your toes to the Dr. Michael White Quartet.

Lunch: Lunch has been left open for you to experience more cuisine on your own, at your own expense. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free Time. Another glorious afternoon of the festival’s musical possibilities. You may wish to explore the special events, such as Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons or venture off into the French Quarter and visit some of New Orleans' historic museums. The choice is yours!

Dinner: For this evening's dinner, one group will have this meal at a local restaurant in the French Quarter, while the other will have the meal on their own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions, and will alert you to which group has this free meal during orientation.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Private Music Performance, French Quarter Festival
New Orleans, LA
B,D
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Walking and standing according to your personal discretion to attend your choices of festival performances and free time activities.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll have another private musical performance provided by Richard 'Piano' Scott.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Is your heart pumping, are your toes tapping, your fingers snapping? Enjoy the music and events at the many festival stages.

Dinner: We’ll walk to a nearby restaurant, share favorite experiences, and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy a final evening of the French Quarter Festival! Prepare for check out and departure tomorrow.

DAY
6
Jazz Brunch, Program Concludes
New Orleans, LA
BR

Activity note: Walking 4 blocks each way, from hotel to brunch. Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Brunch: We’ll walk from the hotel to arrive at 9:00 a.m. for an experience you’ll remember. At the celebrated Court of Two Sisters, we’ll settle in for a true New Orleans delight, the Jazz brunch. Offers tasty hot and cold New Orleans favorites from eggs any style to Creole jambalaya, grits and grillades, gumbo, classic desserts, and much more; coffee, tea, water included, other beverages available for purchase. Tap your toes to the music of the restaurant’s resident Jazz trio. Enjoy this final dining and musical experience with a broader and deeper understanding and appreciation of our city, the one and only New Orleans. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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