Special to the American Press

The inaugural Nellie Fest will take place at the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park, 702 Enterprise Blvd., 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 7.

This free and open to the public festival will pay tribute to Nellie Lutcher, the park’s namesake and Lake Charles-born jazz legend. It will feature live music, food trucks, vendors and the unveiling of the park’s mural.

“We are making history, first by building the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park, and second by having the first official, exclusive festival honoring the namesake of the park and district,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “Ms. Lutcher had an incredible career as a Capitol Records artist. She is truly a Lake Charles legend and it’s only fitting that we honor her by bringing this brand-new festival into the community in which she was born.”

Lutcher’s family home was located on Enterprise Boulevard, and she attended Second Ward School. She was a member of New Sunlight Baptist Church and a music lover from day one. She hit the road as a teenager to go on tour with her father’s band, the Southern Rhythm Boys and her career took her to the bigger market of Los Angeles, CA, where she experienced much success and worldwide acclaim. In 2007, Lutcher passed away at the age of 94 in Los Angeles.

In 2007, the City of Lake Charles, with support of local leaders, including District B Councilwoman Luvertha August, designated the Enterprise Boulevard area between Interstate 10 and Broad Street as the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Parkway. In 2015, the City designated the area as the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District and the State of Louisiana recognized it as a State Cultural District in 2016.

“This is an incredible moment for the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District and the City of Lake Charles,” added District B Councilwoman Luvertha August. “I remember the heyday of Enterprise Boulevard and to activate the brand-new Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park with a music festival named after her, celebrating her legacy, is well deserved and very fitting. I hope that guests will come from near and far to be a part of this historical moment.”

The festival lineup includes performances by Jairus Daigle, Street Side Jazz Band and a special performance by Leah Nicole, a Nellie Lutcher stylist. Additional performers will be added to round out the complete lineup.

“Amidst the melodies of jazz and the aroma of community spirit, we gather to celebrate the legacy of Nellie Lutcher—a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the vibrant soul of Lake Charles,” said Senator Jeremy Stine. “Join us as we honor her memory and ignite the spirit of unity at the inaugural Nellie Fest, where music, culture, and community converge.”

Food trucks and other vendors will be on site, selling concessions and other artisan items. The community is invited to come out with their lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy an afternoon cultural experience like no other. No ice chests or pets will be allowed.

Nellie Fest is sponsored by Mayor Nic Hunter, Retired State Senator Ronnie Johns, Mack’s Barbershop, Senator Jeremy Stine, Everyday Shell, Carolyn Woosley and Joy Pace, Architect Jeff Kudla, Cox Law Firm and Partners in Parks.