Loyola University New Orleans
04/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/08/2026 00:07
Loyola University Highlights Student Talent at the Annual French Quarter Festival
Loyola University Highlights Student Talent at the Annual French Quarter Festival
By Loyola University on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 00:57 Press ReleasesCollege of Music and Media
Esplanade in the Shade Stage partnership offers hands-on experience in live performance and production
The School of Music and Theatre Professions at Loyola University New Orleans has partnered with the French Quarter Festival to sponsor the Loyola Esplanade in the Shade stage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint for the third year in a row.
The partnership provides numerous Loyola students with the opportunity to both perform and gain professional experience at one of the world's most highly attended festivals, said Kate Duncan, director of the School of Music and Theatre Professions and the Conrad N. Hilton Chair in Music Industry at Loyola.
The festival, which runs from April 16-19, also employs several students in behind-the-scenes roles, providing a comprehensive look at live event production.
"Our stage offers students a dynamic environment to showcase their artistry in front of live audiences while gaining invaluable, hands-on insight into the live music industry," Duncan said. "Opportunities like this highlight our dedication to immersive learning, ensuring students graduate with the confidence and real-world experience needed to succeed in today's evolving music landscape."
The School of Music and Theatre Professions also will be hosting an Alumni Brunch at the festival, and all Loyola alums - regardless of degree - are invited to attend. The brunch will be held April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the right of the stage, adjacent to Esplanade Avenue.
"French Quarter Festival 2026 is an exciting year for us," said Emily Madero, president and CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. "With PJ Morton coming back after 12 years, the debut of the Governor Nicholls Wharf Park and hundreds of local artists and chefs taking center stage. This year's festival is bolder and more unmistakably New Orleans than ever. We can't wait to welcome locals and visitors to the Quarter."
The festival has become the largest free celebration of Louisiana's music, food and culture. The Loyola Esplanade in the Shade stage will be a major focal point, showcasing emerging talents, established performers, and the school's students and alumni.
Jonathan McHugh, Hilton-Baldridge Eminent Scholar and Chair in Music Industry Studies at Loyola, said that entering another year of partnership with French Quarter Fest continues to be both energizing and deeply meaningful for students and faculty alike.
"French Quarter Fest is such an iconic celebration of New Orleans music and culture, and we're incredibly proud to be part of it," McHugh said. "Sponsoring the Esplanade in the Shade stage for a third consecutive year speaks to the strength of our partnership, and having our students, as well as Loyola alumni, play this amazing stage means so much to us, and to the local community and music industry alike."
The Loyola Esplanade in the Shade stage will offer programming Friday through Sunday, with musicians from Loyola performing throughout the weekend:
- Friday, April 17, from 12:20 to1:35 p.m. - Tuller, Not Related, Liam Escame and Surco
- Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. - Loyola University Commercial Ensemble
- Saturday, April 18, from 2:10 to 3:30 p.m. - Tay, Heavensworld, Ja Fearce & Azure Skye, DIZZY!, and Left Hook featuring Lizette
- Sunday, April 19, from 12:20 to 1:35 p.m. - Across Phoenix, James Wyrtzen and the Barnburners, and Kissing Disease
The Loyola stage also will feature the French Quarter Fest debut of the New Orleans Legacy Coalition, featuring the offspring of some of New Orleans' most well-known musicians. The band will perform April 17 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The band members include recent Loyola alum Michael Mullins, son of Bonerama's Mark Mullins; River Eckert, the 16-year-old piano phenom son of Jake Eckert; and, Omari Neville, son of Grammy Award-winner Cyril Neville. As a special treat, these famous dads will take the stage with their sons at the festival.
Overall, more than 300 performances, including Grammy Award-winning headliners, will take place on 20 music stages during the four-day festival, which also includes food from more than 70 local restaurants, a parade and a 5K run.
Tickets to Loyola's Alumni Brunch are $20 and include bottomless bites, mimosas, and Loyola swag. To purchase a ticket, visit https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/loyno.
About the College of Music and Media
The College of Music and Media is comprised of two schools - the School of Music and Theatre Professions and the School of Communication and Design. Students who choose to study in the college prepare for careers in music, theatre, music industry, graphic design, motion design, UX design, filmmaking, strategy, mass media and more.
Loyola University New Orleans published this content on April 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 08, 2026 at 06:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]