There was something magical when everyone began Louis Armstrong’s story with, “He was born on the Fourth of July.”  

More than the symbolic birth of the United States, that Louis Armstrong was said to be born on that day and eventually became America’s great cultural ambassador: there was something quintessentially American about that whole myth.  

Fat Tuesday is upon us! The hours are slipping away before New Orleanians must once again pack their favorite Carnival albums and wait a year. If you don't feel like strolling down Bourbon St. in the interim, NoDef has put together a playlist for you with all the classics from Dr. John and Professor Longhair to Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. Very few cities have music for every season, and none have better music in any season than New Orleans.

Click through to listen to our annual playlist.

Christmas in Louisiana is an excuse to cook in a place that needs no excuse to cook. Even greater than our love of pork, turduckens, and game-birds, Lousianans love music. NOLA Defender's staff compiled a list of some of our favorite local Christmas tunes. There are Nevilles, Satchmo, some zydeco, and of course, lots of brass to provide a soundtrack for your Christmas. (Videos after the jump.)

On Sunday (8.03), Satchmo Summerfest presented by Chevron wrapped up their 15th weekend of celerbating trad jazz and NOLA's patron musician. The fest featured a bushel of brass, plenty of po-boys, and ample Abita. Rachel June was on hand to capture all of the excitement for NoDef's readers.

The summer heat is starting to peak which means that the time chill out with some cool jazz is nearly upon us. Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron' will be celebrating 15 years of festin’ and feting Pops this weekend (7.30-8.02). NoDef checked in with Executive Director Marci Schramm for the inside track.

Satchmo Summerfest, the perennial summertime music festival in the French Quarter, released their 2015 lineup today. As the name suggest, the festival dedicated to New Orleans native musical deity, Louis Armstrong. The event will be held from Friday, July 31st through Sunday, August 2nd on the grounds of the old U.S. Mint at the corner of Decatur St. and Esplanade Ave.

Christmas in Louisiana is an excuse to cook in a place that needs no excuse to cook. Even greater than our love of pork, turduckens, and game-birds, Lousianans love music. NOLA Defender's staff compiled a list of some of our favorite local Christmas tunes. There are Nevilles, Satchmo, some zydeco, and of course, lots of brass to provide a soundtrack for your Christmas. (Videos after the jump.)

Kermit Ruffins is the evening’s headliner at Satchmo Fest today, playing a full performance and his annual Trumpet Tribute to Louis Armstrong on the Red Beans and Ricely Yours Stage. Arrive early to see the Norbert Slama Quartet and the high school musicians of the Red Wolf Brass Band. Plus, educational seminars, a second line for kids, a lecture by acclaimed trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, and plenty to eat and drink. Wrap up your festival weekend in style:

Satchmo SummerFest kicked off this morning. Local leaders and arts personalities gathered in front of the Old US Mint to celebrate the music festival’s start and honor it’s namesake, Louis Armstrong. City Councilm embers Jarred Brossett and Jason Williams joined festival director, Marci Schramm, to make remarks about the event and enjoy a performance by the Roots of Music.

After a searing JazzFest weekend set at the Saenger, Dr. John is staying on Canal St. for his next New Orleans gig. On the heels of a new album devoted to Louis Armstrong, The Nite Tripper is set for a Sept. 20 date at the Joy Theater.