Free Children's Concert and Book Signing on Friday

Free, live, local music is not just for adults in New Orleans.  At festivals and community markets, you will see families enjoying Louisiana culture together.  This Friday, multi-award-winning New Orleans author and children’s musician Johnette Downing brings her special brand of spice to the "Family Friendly Fridays" series at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in the French Market.  Pass a good time and get in the groove with Johnette during her musical program filled with a heaping of Louisiana-flavored music.

Dubbed “the Pied Piper for Louisiana music traditions” by the media and the “Musical Ambassador to Children” by clients, Johnette Downing brings the spicy flavor of her home state to live performances and author visits for children and workshops and keynotes for educators internationally.  She is committed to keeping her region’s culture alive “from the roots up” through entertaining and working with kids, sharing with them a “gumbo” of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and jazz influences.

Johnette’s family-friendly music respects the sophistication and intelligence of today’s children while still allowing them to be kids. Says Johnette, “I always tell people ‘I am seven,’ because I feel I see life with seven-year-old eyes. I learn from children everyday. There is no better sound to me than the sound of children laughing and singing.”

After the performance, Johnette will be signing copies of her children's books at A Tisket A Tasket, a store specializing in Cajun & Creole cookbooks, regional books, and unique New Orleans gifts and gift baskets.  The store is located at 910 Decatur St. just a stone's throw from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.

When you are done enjoying the musical delights of Johnette and have your signed copy of one her delightful books, walk around the French Market with the family.  There you will find good food, fresh produce, souvenirs, Creole candies, and a snowball stand.  There is plenty of room to sit down in the shade as you watch the world pass

 Practical Info:  Johnette performs Friday, May 21, 2010 at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park from 11:00 a. m. 'til 11:45 a. m.  For directions to the park, call 504-589-4841.  The show is geared towards kids aged 2 - 8, but the whole family will enjoy the show.  To see video clips and to hear audio clips of Johnette's work, click here.  There is on charge to see the show.