NOLA Reggae Fest- Good Vibes in the Crescent City

Tens of thousands of music aficionados descended upon the Birthplace of American music for the launch of New Orleans Music Month. New Orleans Music Month is a city-wide month-long celebration of New Orleans vibrant music ecosystem. While New Orleans is known as the center of music culture, the music industry is also a critical component of the local economy.

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

        (New Orleans, La.) Tens of thousands of music aficionados descended upon the Birthplace of American music for the launch of New Orleans Music Month.

        New Orleans Music Month is a city-wide month-long celebration of New Orleans vibrant music ecosystem. While New Orleans is known as the center of music culture, the music industry is also a critical component of the local economy.

        Music lovers were in New Orleans for music performances, an emerging music industry conference, and numerous neighborhood festivals celebrating the taste, sounds, and spirit of New Orleans.

        NOLA Reggae Fest provided some great vibes in the Big Easy. A large multicultural, diverse crowd came from all over the city, along with national and international visitors to create and enjoy lasting memories with family, friends and fellow co-workers. People of all ages immersed themselves in contagious Jamaican-inspired fun.

        NOLA Reggae Fest offered the perfect setting for lively dance and music, as well as captivating art and cultural demonstrations. One couldn’t help but to get caught up in the rich blend of entertainment offered at NOLA Reggae Fest.

        NOLA Reggae Fest was held on Halloween Weekend, Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29, 2023. The festival was held in historic Louis Armstrong Park, 901 North Rampart Street. Festival organizers picked a perfect location for the festival. Congo Square is where it all began. The music and dances of today has a direct connection to Congo Square in New Orleans.

        NOLA Reggae Fest was the final of seven, (7) events that I attended during my recent visit to the Crescent City. Who could resist the vibrant rhythms of reggae coupled with the soulful spirit of New Orleans?

Ndindy African Cuisine- Russ, Queen Ndindy and Bash, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

        NOLA Reggae Fest showcased the heart and soul of the Big Easy with an eclectic array of local vendors offering delicious food, unique crafts and much more. 

        Attendees immersed themselves in the magic and unifying rhythms of reggae and the warmth and Southern hospitality of New Orleans at NOLA Reggae Fest.

        I was in the numbers for the first day of NOLA Reggae Fest. Joel Hitchcock served as Emcee. Jamaica Tourism Board was one of the sponsors of NOLA Reggae Fest. One lucky winner walked away with an all-inclusive trip to Jamaica.

Claude Bryant All-Stars, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

        Claude Bryant All Stars got the show underway with an exciting set of original tracks and cover selections. They performed “Exodus,” “Promised Land,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” and No Woman; No Cry” to name a few. This tight band consisted of Claude Bryant-keyboards/vocals, Jimmy Planells-bass, Albert Ventura-guitar, Earl Smith-drums and special guest Shamarr Allen on trumpet. 

        DJ Chocolate was on deck of the ones and twos to served up an hour long set of infectious rhythms from the Caribbean’s.

        Hailing from Canada, The Human Rights performed next, and kept the momentum moving and the party people vibing throughout their set. The group performed material from their latest EP/CD, Reggae Strong. “Reggae Strong,” “Music Like Food,” “One Thing,” and “When She’s Gone,” were several selections performed.

Warrior King, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

        Warrior King, direct from Jamaica took the festival up to another level, to close out opening night with an upbeat, high energy set of original tracks to the delight of a captivated crowd.

        NOLA Reggae Fest continued on Saturday and Sunday with some extremely talented local musicians, national and international artists to the delight of the reggae community.

        The incredible lineup for NOLA Reggae Fest featured TBC Brass Band with Mardi Gras Indians, Nando Boom (Panama), The Meditations (Jamaica), Ha Sizzle (New Orleans), Tanto Metro (Jamaica), Higher Heights (New Orleans), Kaylan Arnold (Miami), Jemere Morgan (Jamaica) and Sista Nancy (Jamaica).