Marcia Ball, Galactic, Kermit Ruffins and the Bucktown All-Stars are among the acts scheduled to perform free shows downtown during the Young Leadership Council's 10th anniversary "Wednesday at the Square" concert series.
The shows kick off on April 1 and continue through June 17. The music plays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Lafayette Square just off Poydras Street between St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street across from Gallier Hall.
The New Orleans Saints are the title sponsor of the 2009 series. Several thousand people generally attend each show.
"The Saints are committed to the total health of our community, which includes cultural initiatives throughout the region, and the 'Wednesday at the Square' concerts provide an outlet for everyone in our area to get together and enjoy themselves," said Rita Benson LeBlanc, owner/executive vice president.
"Our club and the Young Leadership Council will be holding what is ultimately a weekly, free festival at Lafayette Square with great food and great entertainment, and we invite everyone to come out and have fun while celebrating living in New Orleans."
The complete schedule for the 2009 Wednesday at the Square series is as follows:
April 1 -- The Bucktown All-Stars with the Soul Rebels Brass Band
April 8 -- Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk with Shades of Praise
April 15 -- Jeremy Davenport with The Preservation Hall-Stars
April 22 -- Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers with Jake Smith
April 29 -- Marcia Ball with Marva Wright and the BMWs
May 6 -- Big Sam's Funky Nation with The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker
May 13 -- Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys with the Honey Island Swamp Band
May 20 -- Letters to Cleo with MaryAnne Marino
May 27 -- Bag of Donuts with The Figs
June 3 -- Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue with John Boutte and Paul Sanchez
June 10 -- The Boogie Men with Dr. Gonzeaux
June 17 -- Galactic with the Hot 8 Brass Band
