The FRENCH MARKET announces a jambalaya of January events!

NEW in 2010: African music, children’s programming, & lecture series

(New Orleans, LA—December 29, 2009) In the New Year, the French Market celebrates Joan of Arc, Danny Barker, and presents a new children’s music series with singer/songwriter/author Johnette Downing, an African music series at the Flea Market, as well as monthly talks about the historic French Market and a special presentation by the 80-piece Salvation Army Southern Territorial Band. All events are free & open to the public. See schedule below and visit WELCOME TO THE FRENCH MARKET for maps, parking info & a full list of our shops, restaurants & the many new Farmer’s Market vendors and eateries.

JANUARY 6th : ST. JOAN OF ARC PARADE 6 p.m. parade 7 p.m. party

Rolls at 6 p.m. from Bienville statue to Joan of Arc statue via Chartres Street; party at The Market Café afterwards

Route: Begin at Decatur & Conti Streets; up to Chartres, across Jackson Square, continuing on Chartres to St. Phillip, up to Joan of Arc statue at St. Philip and Decatur Streets in front of Market Café.

This second annual parade walks on Twelfth Night, Joan of Arc’s birthday, in celebration of her story and the golden statue that graces the French Market at New Place de France. The post-parade party features free live music by Pierre Pichon from 6:45-7:45 and Marc Gunn from 8-9 p.m. at The Market Café, 1000 Decatur Street.

JANUARY 8TH: SALVATION ARMY TERRITORIAL BAND CONCERT 4-5 p.m.

Performance on the steps of Washington Artillery Park, across from Jackson Square

This 40 piece brass band 40 person songster group brings a special jazz sound to traditional music of the church and The Salvation Army. The group is coming to New Orleans for their quarterly practice; during the day they will be rehearsing at the Bourbon Orleans and at night playing for our community, beginning with the French Market.

JANUARY 10TH AFRICAN SUNDAYS AT THE FLEA MARKET 1:00-4:00 P.M.

A NEW MUSIC & CULTURE SERIES ON THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH!

Once a month, come out to the Flea Market to experience African culture New Orleans-style with drumming, ensemble music and a “African craft village” featuring native African Flea Market vendors. Kora Konnection is an exotic blend of West African mandinka music and jazz improvisation. The band is led by two griots (oral historians): Morikeba Kouyate, a kora (African harp) master from Senegal, and Thierno Dioubate, a balafon and djembe master from Guinea. Kora Konnection is also blessed to have the two finest jazz musicians in the city of New Orleans, Tim Green on saxophone and James Singleton on acoustic bass. Kora Konnection architect and African percussionist, Jeff “Papafrog” Klein is the heartbeat of the ensemble. A combination of traditional West African music and Acoustic Jazz, Kora Konnection’s unique sound spans the cultures of two continents.

JANUARY 15TH FAMILY “MUSIC & MORE” MATINEE SERIES 11 a.m-2 P.M

New monthly children’s music series at the National Jazz Historic Park in Dutch Alley with post-performance activities at various French Market retail stores; Johnette Downing's Calendar of Events for future dates

11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Johnette Downing sings children’s songs at National Jazz Historic Park (indoors)

12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Johnette signs copies of her children’s books at Tisket A Tasket

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Live praline demos at Aunt Sally’s Praline Shop

12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cornell Landry signs copies of his children’s book “Goodnight NOLA” at Aunt Sally’s

Johnette Downing is a multi-award winning author, singer, songwriter and musician performing music and presenting books with Louisiana spice for children internationally. All of her children’s books celebrate Louisiana culture and can be found at Tisket a Tasket, including her most recent title, Why The Crawfish Lives in the Mud.

JANUARY 16TH DANNY BARKER 101ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

A two-hour tribute concert with well-known local jazz artists honor Mr. Barker

Stay tuned for line up and location information!

Honor the legacy of New Orleans’ native son and legendary jazz banjoist, guitarist and singer and founder of the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band three days after what would be his 101st birthday (Jan. 13, 1909 –March 13,1994). Barker's work with the Fairview Band was pivotal in ensuring the longevity of jazz in New Orleans, producing generations of new talent. Brothers Wynton Marsalis and Branford Marsalis both played in the band as youths. Throughout his career, Barker played with Jelly Roll Morton, Baby Dodds, James P. Johnson, Sidney Bechet, Mezz Mezzrow, and Red Allen.

JANUARY 20TH TALK & TAPAS SERIES -GALVEZ RESTAURANT 6:30-8:00pm

Monthly lecture series about the cultural, architectural, culinary, and musical history in and around the French Market

Sip sangria while learning something new about your city. Enjoy talks by local historians, professors, and authors while you sample tapas at Galvez Restaurant, which boasts the best view of the River in the French Quarter. The events are held in the Atrium room with floor to ceiling windows and balcony. Lecture free; tasty food for sale.

JAN. 29TH FRIDAYS AT THE FRENCH MARKET--SOUL PROJECT 5-8 p.m.

Outdoor music series featuring local musicians in the last Friday of each month on Dutch Alley stage

Perfect for after-work winding down and as a great prelude to French Market shopping or dining, the Fridays at the French Market series features free outdoor concerts in a relaxing and convenient venue, at the Dutch Alley Performance Pavilion at St. Phillip and Decatur Streets near the river and adjacent to the French Market parking lot. Soul Project kicks off the second annual series with their funky, soulful grooves. Check them out at Official Soul Project Website ya hear!