NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Today, Hospitality Enterprises (BigEasy.com) and New Orleans Paddlewheels announced a concert series on board the 3,000-passenger Riverboat Louis Armstrong. The lineup, featuring bands who will all perform at the 2020 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, represents the history and future of the music culture in New Orleans in homage to the riverboat’s namesake.
The series kicks off with local legend Walter Wolfman Washington on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. A mainstay in the New Orleans music scene since the early 1960s, Washington cut his teeth backing up some of the best singers and performers in New Orleans history. Famous for taking New Orleans tradition and blending it with funk, soul and elements of hip hop, jazz and rock and roll within a brass band context, the Soul Rebels will take the stage on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m.
The third concert in the series on Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m. features Water Seed, an innovative band that dares to bring musicianship, dexterity and creativity to funk, soul, R&B, fusion and future funk. Spearheading the progressive R&B movement, Water Seed is reminiscent of the funkier side of the R&B genre. For the concerts series, doors open at 7 p.m., the opening act plays at 8 p.m. and the headliner goes on at 9 p.m.
With a state-of-the-art concert stage, cash bars serving a progressive cocktail program, comfortable lounge seating, a rocking dance floor and an expansive promenade deck with the best views of the city, the Riverboat Louis Armstrong provides a uniquely New Orleanian concert experience on the Mississippi River.
New Orleans was home to the SS President, that became the city’s most popular night spot for dancing and live music. Louis Armstrong himself played regularly with the Fate Marable band known for their raucous riverboat concerts.
With four entertainment decks, the Riverboat Louis Armstrong is now open as a venue for music events, concerts, weddings, conventions and large-scale private parties. Event attendees can board the Riverboat Louis Armstrong at the Hilton Riverside/Riverwalk at 1 Poydras St. Events are 21+ only. Tickets are $15 for the Saturday, Jan. 25 and Saturday, March 7 shows. For the Saturday, Feb. 1 show, tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Patrons can purchase tickets at riverboatlouisarmstrong.com/events.
