Louisiana will be in the spotlight at this year’s London Jazz Festival showcasing both music and culture. For the first time Explore Louisiana and Visit the USA will present the #MyLouisiana series, three specially curated concerts inspired by the culture and musical heritage of Louisiana. The partnership centres on three special shows on the closing weekend of the festival. Saturday will see a special performance by representatives from Take Me To The River. This is a blend of musicians, educators and historians, sharing their passion for music and culture. On Sunday, the South Bank Centre will feature a day of performances from a diverse roster of Louisiana Musicians including Orphy Robinson, who will lead a group of 50 amateur musicians; They will learn, rehearse and perform a suite of new music composed specially for this performance. The Joli Blon Cajun Project will play traditional dance music from Louisiana: featuring accordion, fiddle and sung in Cajun French. The festival will close with a Louisiana themed party featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Grammy award-winning band founded in 1977. They incorporate brass band music with Bebop, Jazz, Funk and R&B/Soul. Neil Tagliavini Jones, Chief Account and Marketing Officer for Explore Louisiana UK said "The London Jazz Festival is the perfect place to celebrate the musical legacy of Louisiana.” "It's easy to plan a music inspired road trip through Louisiana by following the Louisiana Music Trail."   EFG London Jazz Festival #MyLouisiana Series Saturday, 23 Nov - Take me To the River - Barbican Centre Sunday, 24 Nov - Louisiana all-dayer featuring Orphy Robinson, Joli Blon Cajun Project, The Brass Funkeys and DJ Lil' Koko - Clore Ballroom Sunday, 24 Nov - Louisiana Closing Party featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Lafayette 

Related News Stories:  

  Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT) announce Louisiana saw continued increases in visitation and visitor spending in 2023.   Louisiana received over half a million total international visitors in 2023, seeing a 45% increase in visitation from 2022. The United Kingdom emerged as the second largest visitor market to Louisiana, with 65,800 visitors last year, an excellent 14% increase from 2022.   “It’s exciting to see the increases to visitation and spending in Louisiana as we work to get back to record breaking numbers prior to the pandemic,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “I’m especially pleased to see the increase in numbers from international visitors. We know international visitors stay longer, visit more places and spend more money, making them extremely important to the economic impact of travel to the state. These increases are despite the challenges of increasing travel costs.”   “Through our proactive marketing and promotion of the state, not only domestically, but internationally, we expect to continue to see a steady return of visitors,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “People are excited to return to travel and experience all the ways to Feed Your Soul in Louisiana – and we’re just getting started.”   Neil Tagliavini Jones, Chief Account and Marketing Officer for Louisiana Office of Tourism said “The continued growth of U.K visitation to Louisiana year on year validates the ongoing investment and presence in the UK & Ireland and is a testament to the passion and energy that our state partners bring when they meet with our industry colleagues and consumers. Louisiana continues to provide unrivalled experiences and memorable moments for visitors, and we look forward to continuing this trend over the coming years.”   LOT’s involvement in the U.K Market in 2023 included consumer activations at Waterloo Station and participation in the National Geographic Food Festival in London, featuring interactive and immersive campaigns to target U.K travellers to visit Louisiana.

  Discover the heart and soul of Louisiana through a captivating interview with Maria Manzella of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Maria unveils the state's irresistible allure, from its rich musical heritage to its delectable cuisine and boundless outdoor adventures. Highlighting the diversity of Louisiana's cultures and the warmth of its people, she showcases the state's penchant for celebration with an astonishing 400 festivals annually. With its unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality, Louisiana stands as a beacon for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Explore the magic of Louisiana at every turn, guided by Maria's expert insights.  

  Diana Hernandez from New Orleans Tourism vividly depicts the city's allure. Described as one of the world's most welcoming destinations, New Orleans embraces diversity, offering a non-judgmental atmosphere where visitors can truly be themselves. With its rich cultural tapestry, from urban exploration to renowned cuisine, the city captivates travelers of all ages and backgrounds. Recognized globally as a top food destination and the birthplace of jazz, blues, and the cocktail, New Orleans boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Through www.neworleans.com, travelers can access curated itineraries and event calendars, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this dynamic city.  

  Eugenie Mitchell, VP of Tourism Sales Lafayette Convention & Visitor Commission, paints a vivid picture of the city's cultural richness and natural beauty. From the unique Cajun and Creole heritage to the vibrant music scene pulsating through venues like the Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette promises a sensory journey like no other. Mitchell highlights the significance of food in local culture, inviting visitors to savor the flavors of gumbo and boudin sausage. Additionally, Lafayette's outdoor offerings, including swamp tours and wildlife encounters, underscore the city's allure for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Dive into Lafayette's enchanting world through Mitchell's captivating insights.  

  Embark on a journey to the enchanting town of St. Francisville, Louisiana, as Devon Corbello shares insights into its allure. Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, this hidden gem offers a blend of scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and culinary delights. From captivating hiking trails adorned with waterfalls to the renowned Myrtles Plantation, known for its ghostly tales, there's something for every adventurer. Dive into the culinary diversity, including locally sourced mushrooms that add a unique twist to Southern comfort cuisine. Uncover the secrets of St. Francisville at visitStFrancisvilleLA.com and plan your unforgettable getaway today.  

  In a delightful exchange at the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly, London, Graham engages Marie Stagg from Visit Baton Rouge in a captivating dialogue unveiling the city's myriad treasures. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, emerges as a mosaic of cultures, offering an enticing blend of culinary delights, pulsating live music, and rich historical experiences. Marie paints a vivid picture of the city's culinary landscape, where Cajun, Creole, and a myriad of international influences converge. From blues festivals to swamp tours and leisurely bike rides along the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge beckons with promises of unforgettable adventures. Through Marie's words, Baton Rouge emerges not just as a destination, but as an immersive journey into the heart of Louisiana's soul.  

  Graham McKenzie engages David Bradley of Visit Shreveport Bossier, uncovering the allure of this Louisiana gem. David paints a vivid picture of Shreveport Bossier's multifaceted appeal, from its scenic byway trails to quirky gas station tours, all serving as gateways to the state's rich cultural tapestry. Highlighting the city's pivotal role in music history, David traces its roots back to Elvis Presley's iconic beginnings at the Louisiana Hayride. With tantalizing culinary offerings blending Cajun, Creole, and Texan flavors, coupled with a thriving music scene featuring both legends and rising stars, Shreveport Bossier emerges as a must-visit destination. Conveniently located and easily accessible, it beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its vibrant spirit and Southern hospitality.  

  Jennifer Bertholdt, a prominent figure in Louisiana Tourism, discusses her plans for promoting the state. They emphasize the importance of destination stewardship, highlighting the enthusiasm of residents and ambassadors in sharing Louisiana's unique culture and attractions. Climate change is integrated into Louisiana's tourism strategy, focusing on sustainability in events like Mardi Gras and raising awareness about coastal wetland loss. The conversation underscores the deep connection between Louisiana's culture and its environment. Jennifer will be speaking at the World Travel Market, where she will showcase new properties, attractions, upcoming festivals, and the significance of music in Louisiana's cultural heritage.  

Summer is over, and the fall festival season has kicked off in Louisiana. The season in Louisiana brings a variety of eclectic food, music and cultural festivals. Sip on a pumpkin spiced latte and enjoy the unique culture and sounds of the south this fall.   Fall Festivals – The Fall Festival line up ensures there's something for everyone. For literary lovers, the Louisiana Book Festival is a world class literary celebration and the largest book festival in the state. The festival is bookworm’s dream to meet celebrated writers, and enjoy thought-provoking presentations. There are varied activities plus food and live music all day long. If music is your thing, head to the Festival Acadiens et Creoles that takes place in October to discover Lafayette's unique cultural heritage. It's a free three-day festival of nonstop music, dancing, food as well as crafts. It’s a genuine Cajun and Creole experience like no other. Art enthusiasts will love the Red River Revel Arts Festival in Shreveport, which is north Louisiana's largest arts festival.   Road Trips - Fall is the perfect time for a road trip through Louisiana, with 19 Scenic Trails and Byways to choose from. Each route weaves through the state, allowing travelers to learn about the distinct cultures in each area. Each path presents a little taste of everything for visitors to soak up. Take in the scenery through Louisiana's bayous, gardens, and wildlife refuges. Learn about enriching history and stories at local eateries, dance halls, and the "Cajun Music Capital of the World," a stop on Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway.   Film fans can check out the Cane River National Heritage Trail and stop by the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast in Natchitoches, where Steel Magnolias was filmed. It is now part of the Louisiana Film Trail, or take the Northup Trail and learn the fascinating true story behind Twelve Years a Slave. https://www.explorelouisiana.com/  

 

A Sportsman's Paradise

The ultimate playground

Sure, that’s a lot to live up to. But with thousands of hiking and biking trails, beautiful State Parks, and one of the largest game preserves in the United States, Louisiana is the ultimate playground for all outdoorsmen. Our vast expanse of coastal wetlands and countless birding trails make our state a habitat for many rare and endangered species and a natural paradise for bird watchers as well. Come step into the wild outdoors of Louisiana.