Booker Fest 2023

Dr. John described Booker as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.”

The 100 Men Hall hosts its fourth annual Booker Fest to celebrate the musical genius of James Booker. The festival is Bay Saint Louis’ own music festival with top musicians and performers, food, libations, and a drag brunch!

James Carroll Booker III (December 17, 1939 – November 8, 1983) was a New Orleans R&B keyboardist born in New Orleans and raised by an aunt in Bay St Louis where he attended St. Rose de Lima and learned classical piano. Booker’s unique style combined R&B with jazz standards. The gifted artist played on the historic stage of 100 Men Hall and throughout the Bay.

Labor Day Weekend in Bay Saint Louis is Booker Fest weekend. This year’s line-up includes a night with Joe Krown Trio, a morning gospel tribute by acclaimed gospel choir St. Rose de Lima, a Booker piano tribute led by New Orleans pianist and Booker interpreter extraordinaire, Josh Paxton along with Debbie Davis, followed by Tulane poet Karisma Price. Then the Blues take over the Hall with Ghalia Volt followed by Lucious Spiller and his band.

Big Boyz BBQ is in the house on Friday and Saturday with Hogs for a Cause winner Rodney Beals food for purchase. Booker Fest weekend ends with an outrageous Drag Brunch featuring Big Bertha’s Kitchen & Catering and Drag by Miss Catastrophe, Zamareyah Dawn, Latonia Love, and Misty Bordeaux in Booker’s honor. Sound by Jesse Loya.

Early bird ticket purchasers will enjoy an extra bonus: A free screening of Lily Keber’s acclaimed documentary on Booker, Bayou Maharajah on Friday, August 25.

Event details subject to change. Click source links for latest information.