Annual event to take place Oct. 6-8 in Pontchartrain Park neighborhood
Organizers of Gentilly Fest will celebrate its 15th anniversary during the annual festival, taking place Oct. 6-8 at the corner of Press and Prentiss drives in the historic Pontchartrain Park neighborhood.
Entry into the festival is free. However, attendees can purchase the VIP Experience at $75 for one-day or $125 for a two-day pass. The VIP Experience includes special seating, refreshments, two beverages and parking.
The festival begins at 6 p.m. on Friday night Oct. 6, with the “Jazz under the Stars” concert sponsored in partnership with Love Notes Music & Arts Foundation and The New Orleans Cultural Tourism Fund. The musical lineup begins with DJ Juane Jordan, Zahira Sims Collective, Cole Williams, and Nayo Jones Experience and is hosted by Malik Mingo of WWLTV ‘s Great Day Louisiana.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, the festival will kick off at noon with main stage acts that include DJ/Host Kristi Sugarcookie of Fox 8 News, Vybe into our Reality, Rick David and the Funky 5, Letrainiump, Jamal Batiste Band, Flagboy Giz, James Andrews and HaSizzle.
Saturday’s Gospel Tent, sponsored by St. Thomas Community Health Center, will feature soulful performances by choirs from throughout the city, including Anointed Joylettes, St. Raymond and St. Leo Choir, Akia Nevills, Grace United Methodist, Watson Memorial, Zulu Ensemble, Greater St. Stephen FGBC Choir, Tyronne Foster and The Arc Singers.
Sunday, Oct. 8 will feature DC Paul as the host and main stage acts DJ B Sharp, MJ of NOLA, Mystic Krewe Of Femme Fatale’s Cherchez La Femme, Wanda Rouzan and a Taste of New Orleans, New Orleans Mystics, Kermit Ruffins, and will close with a 50th year Anniversary tribute to Hip-Hop, curated by Raj Smoove. Sunday’s Gospel Tent lineup will include the Park Community Choir, Men of Bethel Colony Transformational Ministries, Lady Felicia Travis, Shades of Praise, Craig Adams and Voices of New Orleans, Jeffrey Pelean and Creative to Worship, Bishop Tyronne Jefferson and The Abundant Life FGBC Choir.
In addition to the live entertainment, food and arts & crafts vendors, the Gentilly Fest will also feature its Kids Village to showcase talented youth, face painting, storytelling and activities for everyone. The Dillard University Community Center’s Wellness tent will also offer resources and information throughout the three-day event, including a Q&A with Dr. Corey Hebert and other health service providers.