Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival

The Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival

The Danny Barker Banjo + Guitar Festival pays homage to New Orleanian musician, writer, instrumentalist, vocalist, composer and lyricist, Mr. Danny Barker. While he was best known for his work as a guitarist and banjoist, Barker was also a multi-disciplinary artist and dedicated mentor.

Each January, his life and legacy are remembered and celebrated during this five-day-long fest. Just a versatile as Barker was himself, the festival features a mixture of programming including live music performances, panel discussions and workshops, organized events and outings, second lines and more.

Music

Over the course of Barker’s 70+ year career, he not only played guitar and banjo with many of the nation’s top jazz artists but he also served as a mentor to numerous aspiring New Orleanian musicians. There is no shortage of musicians impacted by the life of Mr. Barker, and eager to express their gratitude through performance.

Past performers have included:

Detroit Brooks

Wynston Marsalis

Herlin Riley

Leroy Jones

Gregg Stafford

Dr. Michael White

Lucien Barbarin

And many more!

Special Events + Programming

In addition to live music performances over throughout the city, the Danny Barker Banjo + Guitar Festival also features a number of unique events and specially curated programming.

Danny Barker Music Clinic

Workshops lead by special guest instructors and notable New Orleanian Musicians.

Danny’s International Night

While New Orleans was always homes, Barker loved to travel the world playing, learning and listening to music. The International Music Night features guest artists from across the globe that all share a common interest - music and sound.

Danny Barker Day Parade

An annual second line that closes out the final day of the fest. Beginning at the New Orleans Jazz Museum and making its way to Danny Barker’s birth home in the historic French Quarter