"Satchmo SummerFest, which celebrates the life, music and legacy of local jazz legend Louis Armstrong, was created eight years ago in an effort to draw visitors to the city during August—a time when the local shops, restaurants, attractions, and hotels need patrons most," said Sandra Shilstone, president and CEO of NOTMC.  "Through television, radio, newspaper, magazine advertisements and the Internet, NOTMC is inviting the world to come and see where jazz was born during this free festival." 

With a grand total of $661,431 in festival support including $75,000 in jazz-specific publications, NOTMC’s campaign features:

•  Newspaper ads promoting Satchmo SummerFest in the Sunday travel section of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Houston Chronicle; Dallas Morning News; Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Memphis Commercial Appeal; Jackson Clarion Ledger/Hattiesburg American; and the Nashville Tennessean 

•  Radio markets include Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.  Additionally, NOTMC partnered with KKJZ Los Angeles, the largest jazz and blues station in the country, to give away a "Jazz Lovers Trip to New Orleans" for Satchmo SummerFest that resulted in a $7500 PR value. NOTMC is also hosting CBS Radio's nationally syndicated “The Maria Shaw Show” the week prior to Satchmo SummerFest to publicize the upcoming festival, showcase the French Quarter and promote other jazz-themed events.

•  Magazine ads tout the festival in 25 regional publications including niche outlets targeting jazz enthusiasts.

•  Internet promotions: To draw summer visitors to New Orleans, NOTMC is offering $50 off of stays valued at $150 or more booked on NewOrleansOnline.com. 

“As part of our “Come Out and Play” campaign strategy, NOTMC has promoted all major festivals throughout the year resulting in record-breaking attendance* at each,” remarked Shilstone.  “Now, tooting the horn of Satchmo SummerFest, we’re poised to surpass last year’s turnout as well.”

Events produced for the Satchmo SummerFest by French Quarter Festivals Inc. include four music stages on the grounds of the Louisiana State Museum's Old US Mint; the Frenchmen Street Satchmo Club Strut; educational seminars; traditional Jazz Mass at St. Augustine Church in the Treme; and a Red Beans and Rice luncheon.

“We’re excited to have the support of NOTMC in promoting the Satchmo SummerFest,” remarked Marci Schramm, executive director of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.  “We have been delighted with the response to the campaign thus far and anticipate a very successful event.”

*2008 NOTMC-Promoted Festival Attendance Numbers:

·  French Quarter Festival, April 11 - 13  

        Attendance: 435,000 (Highest attendance ever)

·  New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, April 25-27, May 1 – 4

        Attendance: 375,000 - 400,000 (Highest attendance since Katrina)

·  Vieux-To-Do: Creole Tomato, Seafood and Cajun + Zydeco Festival, June 13 - 15

        Attendance: 50,000 (Highest attendance ever)

·  44th Annual Mardi Gras Marathon, February 24th  

        Attendance: 59,000 from 50 states and 16 countries (broke all previous records) 

·  Essence Music Festival, July 4 - 6  

        Attendance: 270,000 (Highest attendance ever)

·  New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, May 20-24

Attendance: not yet calculated but it is confirmed that economic impact jumped from $ 5.4 million in 2007 to $6.8 million in 2008

·  Tales of the Cocktail, July 16-20

Attendance: 20,000 (This is an early estimate. Attendance is expected to be higher once count is finalized but already, this number surpasses last year’s 12,000 attendees.)