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From July 31, 2014 to August 3, 2014, New Orleans once again will celebrate its famous local son, Louis Armstrong, at the free, 14th annual Satchmo Summer Fest presented by Chevron. The Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint at the edge of the French Quarter comes alive that weekend with the sounds of music celebrating Satchmo, lectures about his legacy and influence, and food offerings that incorporate his favorite dish-red beans and rice.

Although the music schedule isn’t finalized yet, in the past, stages have included the Red Beans and Ricely Yours Stage presented by Chevron with WWL-TV, and the Cornet Chop Suey stage. Armstrong was all about food as well as music. Even if he never had occasion to eat a red bean and rice milk gourmet popsicle from Melt Down, he probably would have loved it. Or, pickled gulf shrimp with red bean and rice salad, from Dickie Brennan’s Tableau.

Armstrong’s influence on American music can’t be overstated. In New Orleans, though, it’s easy to forget, here in the land of multiple famous trumpet players, from Wynton Marsalis to Terence Blanchard to Kermit Ruffins, that it all started with Satchmo. Satchmo Summer Fest is a perfect example of the infectious joy of spontaneous music. Kids in the street here play the trumpet, and the schools nurture the young Satchmos of tomorrow. Every corner seems to host a brass band. In many ways the trumpet is the essence of New Orleans itself; it’s expressive, soulful, and happy. Just the way you’ll feel after attending Satchmo Summer Fest.