Loyola University sponsors Esplanade in the Shade Stage at French Quarter Festival 2025
NEW ORLEANS – 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 allows a number of talented Loyola students to perform at one of the most visited festivals in the world, said Jonathan McHugh, Hilton-Baldridge Eminent Scholar/Chair in Music Industry Studies at Loyola. The festival, which takes place April 10-13, also hires a number of Loyola students to work behind the scenes.
“Having our students work and perform at French Quarter Fest is the pinnacle of our Spring semester,” McHugh said. “Having Loyola’s Esplanade in the Shade stage for the third year in a row affirms our commitment to put our students on and behind the biggest possible stages. These incredible opportunities will pave the way for their future careers in the music industry.”
French Quarter Fest 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.
“Each year, French Quarter Festival brings the vibrant culture of New Orleans to life,” said Emily Madero, President & CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. “We’re excited to welcome locals and visitors to join us for unforgettable music, food, and community moments in one of the world’s most unique neighborhoods.”
Kate Duncan, director of the School of Music and Theatre Professions and the Conrad N. Hilton Chair in Music Industry at Loyola, said that three years in, collaborating with the fantastic team at French Quarter Fest feels like a tradition and a dream come true.
“Our gorgeous stage represents a place where our students thrill audiences with professional music making, all while learning how the business of live music works directly from experience,” she said. “Spaces like this represent our commitment to preparing our students fully for the world ahead through real-world learning.”
The Loyola Esplanade in the Shade stage will offer programming Friday through Sunday, with musicians from Loyola performing four sets throughout the weekend:
- Friday, April 11, from 12:20-1:35 p.m. – fish band!, Tired Eyes, Lizette and Left Hook
- Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Loyola University Commercial Ensemble
- Saturday, April 12, from 12:35 to 1:55 p.m. – Vienna Notarianni, The Dewdrops, Young Bucks Jazz Orchestra and Kota Dosa
- Sunday, April 13, from 12:20 to 1:35 p.m. – Kai De Lua, rené, Rénaissa Avari, and TYJOHNSON & Friends
Other musicians performing on the Loyola Esplanade in the Shade stage are Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Dash Rip Rock and Astral Project. Overall, more than 300 performances will take place on 21 music stages during the four-day festival, which also includes food from more than 65 local restaurants.