Second Line Arts Collective and New Orleans Public Library Announce 2025-2026 Little Stompers Library Series Beginning October 4 at the Algiers Regional Library; kicks off FREE, three-part series with six weeks of interactive music sessions in Algiers for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers
NEW ORLEANS — The Second Line Arts Collective (SLAC) — local non-profit on a mission to provide young artists with music education and the tools to thrive creatively, culturally and financially — announced today in partnership with The New Orleans Public Library the 2025-2026 Little Stompers Library Series. This FREE interactive music series will take place at three libraries across New Orleans (six Saturdays at each location), kicking off on Saturday, October 4 at the Algiers Regional Library (3014 Holiday Dr.). The program is designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers using live music, movement and storytelling to introduce families to the rhythms, songs and instruments of New Orleans. Spots are now available to reserve at https://www.secondlinearts.org/little-stompers.
Algiers Regional Library will host Saturday sessions from October 4 – November 8, and families can register to attend 30-minute interactive music sessions grouped by age: Big Easy Rascals / 12 – 23 months (10:15 – 10:45 am), Swamp Stompers / 2 – 3 years (11 am- 11:30 am) and Mardi Gras Mambos / 3 – 5 years (11:45 am – 12:15 pm). 2026 session dates and Library locations TBA. Program funding is generously provided by The Great Circle Foundation, Inc.
For those unable to attend Saturday sessions, SLAC also provides interactive video lesson plans featuring virtual instruction from New Orleans artist Robin Barnes giving families the tools needed to execute a Little Stompers class at home.
“We’re so excited to launch the Little Stompers Library Series and share the joy and roots of New Orleans music with young children and their families without cost being a barrier,” said Darrian Douglas, Executive Director of Second Line Arts Collective. “Connecting with more families, no matter their social class, race or background, is what matters most to me. This isn’t just about teaching music; it’s about spreading love for our culture and creating the next generation of listeners, supporters and advocates for the arts. Thanks to the support of The Great Circle Foundation, Inc. and the New Orleans Public Library, we can open our doors wide and invite the whole community to celebrate and grow with us.”
The Second Line Arts Collective was co-founded in 2016 by New Orleans musicians and educators, Gregory Agid and Darrian Douglas, who started the organization with inspiration from their mentors, jazz drummer Alvin Fielder and jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste. Rooted in New Orleans and built with love, SLAC began as a dream to reimagine music education—honoring tradition while teaching the tools for independence, longevity, and creative freedom.
From toddlers discovering rhythm for the first time, to young musicians preparing for professional careers, SLAC is committed to bridging the gap between artistic passion and real-world preparation. In addition to the Little Stompers Family Classes, SLAC offers the below community programs:
Little Stompers Concerts: Be transported to the heart of New Orleans with our series of interactive performances for K-5th Graders and family audiences. Each one of these fun-filled, action-packed concerts guides audiences through the rich history and lasting legacy of New Orleans’ music, from 300-year old drum and dance traditions to the Bounce music of artists like Big Freedia today. Little Stompers have performed at over 30 elementary schools in the greater New Orleans area, and are available to perform at private events, schools and various venues for young people. For information on booking, please email secondlineartscollective@gmail.com.
Sanaa Music Workshop: A transformative annual program that empowers young artists (aged 14-23) by offering a blend of comprehensive business education and traditional music classes. Sanaa Music Workshop provides emerging artists with the business knowledge, confidence and community they need to turn their craft into a sustainable career. Our workshop will be held in June 2026.
Little Stompers Library Series: 2025 Schedule.
Part 1: Algiers Regional Library: *Each date below will include three classes: Big Easy Rascals / 12 – 23 months (10:15 – 10:45 am), Swamp Stompers / 2 – 3 years (11 am- 11:30 am) and Mardi Gras Mambos / 3 – 5 years (11:45 am – 12:15 pm). *Part 2 (Library Location TBD) classes scheduled to take place in Spring 2026, with Part 3 (Library Location TBD) to follow in Summer 2026.
- Saturday, October 4: 10am–12pm.
- Saturday, October 11: 10am–12pm.
- Saturday, October 18: 10am–12pm.
- Saturday, October 25: 10am–12pm.
- Saturday, November 1: 10am–12pm.
- Saturday, November 8: 10am–12pm.
For more information on the Second Line Arts Collective and the Little Stompers Library Series, please visit https://www.secondlinearts.org/, follow us on social media at @SecondLineArts (Instagram) and @SecondLineArtsColletive (Facebook). Special thanks to The Great Circle Foundation, Inc. for funding the 2025-2026 Little Stompers Library Series.