Louis Armstrong Tradition
with Jonathan Batiste
conducting the Festival Jazz Band

Louis Armstrong could take any old tune and make it swing. No one knew what swing was until Louis came along. Jazz was born in the Big Easy, and it might have stayed there had another son of New Orleans decided not to leave home. Louis was the heir of all that had gone before and the father of all that was to come. Bing Crosby once said, “Louis “Pops” Armstrong is the beginning – and the end – of music in America.” Yet, another generation of great Crescent City musicians has emerged, and their leader is Jonathan Batiste. Come hear this New Orleans native and the Festival Jazz Band let the good times roll.

Arthur Fiedler Tradition
with Michael Krajewski
conducting the Festival Orchestra

Arthur Fiedler could turn a symphony orchestra from the classiest of classy ensembles to the biggest of the big bands with the wave of his magic baton. He brought more great music to people - and vice versa – than perhaps anyone else in his time. Johanna Fiedler, his daughter, said that “Festival Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski is so admirable that he has the courage to go back to doing pops concerts in the style of my father.” So join us as we carry on the tradition of the man who changed the meaning of music under the stars – and stripes – forever.