NEW ORLEANS – Blue Runner Foods announced the inaugural Marching Band Showcase to be held at Memorial Square at this year’s Gretna Fest, scheduled for Oct. 4-6. As a new addition to the festival lineup, this event will feature performances from 11 local youth marching bands, each playing for 30 minutes.
The Marching Band Showcase will also feature a fundraiser to support Blue Runner Foods philanthropic partner The Roots of Music, a New Orleans-based nonprofit that empowers youth through music education, academic support and mentorship.
In addition to the performances, festivalgoers will have the chance to enjoy a bowl of Blue Runner’s signature red beans while listening to talented youth bands from throughout the Greater New Orleans region. All donations made during the Marching Band Showcase will go directly to support The Roots of Music’s programming.
Participating Marching Bands (see full schedule at gretnafest.com/lineup/schedule/):
Friday, Oct. 4
• Young Audiences Charter School Band
Saturday, Oct. 5
• West Jefferson High School Band
• Brother Martin High School Band
• Archbishop Shaw High School Band
• Landry Walker High School Band
• The Roots of Music
Sunday, Oct. 6
• JPSO Band of Excellence
• McDonough 35 Senior High School Band
• Holy Cross High School Band
• Edna Karr High School Band
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Band
“We are thrilled to launch this exciting partnership with The Roots of Music and bring local students into the spotlight at Gretna Fest,” said Katie Bautsch, president of Blue Runner Foods. “Marching bands are a vital part of the fabric of New Orleans’ culture, and The Roots of Music is doing incredible work to ensure that our youth have the tools and opportunities to carry this tradition forward. Supporting their mission is an honor for us.”
Gretna Fest, one of Jefferson Parish’s largest festivals, has long been a celebration of Louisiana’s music, food and culture. This year’s addition of the Marching Band Showcase will bring even more energy to the event, offering festival-goers a chance to celebrate local school bands while supporting a meaningful cause.
###