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Fine Festing

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International Fest is expected to attract thousands to the Port of New Orleans.
MoverandShakeEDITNew Orleans truly is an international city. From the architecture to the food, there are signs everywhere of worldly influences that have combined to create a true melting pot of culture that, in itself, has become a unique and often celebrated entity.

International Fest — a free, all-ages music and food festival — looks to celebrate the local culture, as well as other cultures from around the globe as it returns for a second year to the scenic Port of New Orleans on Oct. 18 from 11 am to 9 pm. The festival will feature 10 hours of live entertainment from local and international acts, food trucks providing international cuisine, and an eclectic Arts and Crafts marketplace.

This year’s producers, Spears Consulting Group (under its Social Renaissance brand) and the New Orleans South African Connection, look to bring on a roster of talent that could truly create a global experience right here in New Orleans. This year’s lineup features an all-star group of entertainers that represent cultures from around the world. Notable entertainers include South African musicians Musa Manzini and Mbuso Khoza, the Israeli band Yemen Blues, Haitian songstress Leyla McCall and the always-popular Brazilian dance troupe Casa Samba.

Of course, local favorites Irvin Mayfield with Los Hombres Callientes, Rebirth Brass Band, Los Po Boy Citos and Debauche also will be taking the stage, as well as Russell Batiste of The Funky Meters, Jason Neville and the Wild Tchoupitoulas, and a special guest appearance by Leo Nocintelli (founding member of The Meters).

From Jamaican to Vietnamese, Ethiopian to Italian, the International Food Court will feature an eclectic mix of cuisine from some of New Orleans’ most renowned food trucks and restaurants. The Food Court also will feature The Munch Factory, recently crowned Favorite Millennial Restaurant Destination at the 2014 Millennial Awards in July.

International Fest also has the distinction of closing out Celebrate Africa Week, which, in 2014, will be honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Freedom of South Africa. The fest will feature a digital-media area that will live stream coinciding events in South Africa, marking this historic milestone, as well as a Brass Band Festival in France.

Proceeds from International Fest will benefit the New Orleans chapter of the American Cancer Society as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. You don’t want to miss this truly global celebration of food, music, and fun. internationalfestnola.com