On Point
Wednesdays on the Point concert series returns
Any tourist who spends more than two days in New Orleans will come to realize our city is comprised of many different neighborhoods. Whether it’s Gentilly, Mid-City or the Irish Channel, residents of each create their own identity and pride of place. Perhaps one of the most overlooked, but beloved by its residents, areas of the city is Algiers Point. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from the French Quarter, a quick ferry ride can transport you to one of NOLA’s oldest neighborhoods.
Just a few years younger than New Orleans proper, Algiers Point was once considered a suburb. It was annexed by the city in 1870 and I’m confident even then that its residents declared they lived on the “best bank” of the river.
In recent years, the Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) has been working to attract new businesses, residents and tourists. One of their cultural offerings starts today and continues into October.
Wednesdays on the Point is a free six-week concert series located near the ferry terminal on the batture of Algiers Point. For our visitors, the batture is the area of land along the shore of the river, unprotected by the levee. The location offers beautiful views of the downtown skyline, the Crescent City Connection and the French Quarter, as well as the maritime commerce moving up and down the Mississippi.
Derrick Martin, executive director of AEDF, said the concert series plays a strategic role in the economic development of Algiers.
“Wednesdays on the Point drive an unprecedented number of visitors to the area, many of which have never experienced Algiers Point, which certainly creates much-needed discussion about the West Bank. Additionally, after the event people patronize the local bars, infusing additional capital into local businesses.”
Gary Mouton is a resident of Algiers Point and volunteers at Wednesdays on the Point. He sees the positive economic impact as well.
“Wednesdays on the Point is a fundraiser for the community,” he said. “Alongside raising money for community events and the general uplifting of the quality of life for the residents of Algiers, it also directly impacts business located in Algiers Point. Many shops, restaurants and bars in the neighborhood stay open later, run specials or continue the live music after the event ends to allow people to continue the good time.”
Mouton says the cool breeze and neighborhood atmosphere help create can’t-miss opportunities for locals and tourists to visit Algiers Point.
“If you're visiting from out of town and want the perfect picture to remember your trip, come on over on the ferry, enjoy the festival and snap a picture with our gorgeous view of the city skyline,” added Mouton. “This is one of our neighborhood events that I invite everybody to because it's such a great time.”
Mouton also reminds us the festival relies on sponsorships and its liquor and beer sales in order to continue. Quoting his friend Fay Faron, he said, “'The concert's free, the band is not, buy a beer, it helps a lot!’ I'll be working the beer tent, so come by and introduce yourself, say hello and buy a beer!”
Wednesdays on the Point run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and include food trucks and art vendors in addition to the DJ and live performances. Food vendors this year will include: Cocoa & Cream; Theo's Pizza; Kona Ice; Yat City, LLC; Big Dog BBQ on Da Go; Frencheeze; Kenny's Cajun Creole; Grilling Shilling; Kona Ice; and Lil Dustin's Italian Ice.
Each Wednesday will feature DJ Rik Ducci and the live music schedule is as follows:
Sept. 13 – Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band
Sept. 20 – Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters
Sept. 27 – Bag of Donuts
Oct. 4 – Jonathan Boogie Long
Oct. 11 – Johnny Sansone
Oct. 18 – Darcy Malone and the Tangle; and Amanda Shaw
